To See is to Believe: Better Visibility Means Better Road Safety

When you’re driving, you need to be able to see clearly not only what’s in front of you, but also what’s beside and behind you as well. This means that every single car feature that allows you to see–including your windshields, mirrors, lights and wipers–need to be in proper working condition always.

Unfortunately, when it comes to regular vehicle maintenance, these items or often forgotten or ignored. How many times do you see dirty windshields and mirrors, busted lights, or streaking wipers on the road? Ensuring optimal visibility on the road is essential to avoiding accidents and mishaps, so don’t overlook these simple maintenance steps that improve your ability to see and be seen by your fellow motorists.

• Make sure that all the car’s mirrors (rearview mirror, side mirrors) are clean and in the proper position for seeing what’s behind you.
• Keep both front and rear windshields clean and free from damage. Have any crack addressed immediately.
• Replace any exterior or interior bulbs that are no longer providing ample illumination. Make sure to replace in pairs.
• Ensure that your headlights are aimed correctly.
• When it starts getting harder to see in front of you, such as in the late afternoon or when you’re driving through a tunnel, don’t hesitate to turn your lights on. This will help you see better and make you more visible to other drivers.
• It is good practice to turn your headlights on when using your windshield wipers.
• Replace the rubber blades on your wiper if they stutter or streak. Don’t forget your rear wiper blades if you have them. Replace blades by set.