Driving in Bad Weather - See and Be Seen

When you're driving on a sunny day or a clear night, it's pretty easy to see and be seen.  It's another story when the weather turns.  The more visible you are to other drivers, the safer you are and the less likely you are to be involved in a surprise collision.

With very few exceptions, most vehicles don't have full time lighting front, side, and rear.  Any time visibility is compromised, it is to your benefit to make yourself as easy to see as possible.

1.  On a completely overcast day, you should use your marker or "parking" lights at minimum.  This illuminates all your lights except the headlights, and allows others to see your vehicle's corners.

2.  In fog, use your low-beam headlights and fog lights if you have them.  High-beam headlights are aimed upwards and will just reflect off the fog and shine back to your eyes.

3.  Any time there is precipitation (rain, sleet, snow), use your low-beam headlights whenever you have your wipers on.  Several states have enacted "Wipers On, Lights On" laws, so it's not only a good idea, it also may be required.

4.  Don't rely on daytime running lights to make yourself fully visible.  On most vehicles that use them, all you get are forward facing lights, which means you still have no rear lights and will appear dark (or in fog, not at all) to those behind you.

Now, to help yourself see better...

1.  Make sure your headlights are clean and at full intensity.  If the lights are dirty or the bulbs are dying/out, you will not be able to see as far down the road.  If it's been a while, have them aimed as well - even the best lights don't work very well if they don't shine where they are supposed to.

2.  Also be sure all your brake, turn, tail, and side marker lights are clean and functional.  When other drivers are unable to tell your intentions, they may not react the way you expect.

3.  Change your wiper blades regularly.  A pair of blades should cost less than your oil change, so they aren't prohibitively expensive.  When they start to streak or chatter consistently, it's time to change.

4.  Keep your washer fluid topped off to help with those unexpected splashes and splatters.

When you can see and be seen, it's easier to react to changing conditions and stay safe on the road.

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