It’s definitely not an ideal situation but its one most of us Michigan and Ohio drivers will find ourselves in before winter is over, driving during a heavy snowfall with limited visibility.
Obviously, the best way to stay safe during this type of weather is to avoid driving during a storm unless absolutely necessary. In the winter months it is important to stay abreast of winter storm warnings and there are even weather applications such as AccuWeather, Weatherbug and the Weather Channel that can be downloaded on your mobile device to alert you of an incoming storm.
Follow these tips to increase your visibility and drive safely during a heavy snow fall:
- Turn your headlights and fog lights on but stick with your low beams. The light from the high beams will only reflect back at you and create a glare.
- Make sure your vehicles windshield, windows, lights, and hood are completely free of accumulated snow and ice.
- Install high quality wiper blades such as the Anco Contour which are available at Belle Tire. It is important that your blades are replaced every six to twelve months depending on weather conditions.
- Slow Down! Give yourself plenty of time to reach your destination and be prepared to make a sudden stop if necessary.
- Leave extra space. When your visibility is limited, it’s very important to make sure you are leaving enough room between you and the car ahead of you so that you have enough time to respond.
- Have plenty of windshield wiper fluid that is also a de-icer to keep your windshield clean. If you are low on fluid, stop in to your local Belle Tire. We can fill you up and give you the remainder of the jug to take home with you.
- Turn on your defroster and make sure you windows are completely defogged before traveling.
- Follow the Line. If it’s difficult to see the roadway, focus on the painted lines especially on the right hand side for guidance.
- If conditions become to poor and your visibility is extremely reduced, pull off at the closest exit and find a safe place to wait out the storm.
- Overall, keep your vehicle prepared for winter, exercise extreme caution and only travel during a storm as a last resort!
