Winter Driving Tips HILLSBORO, N.H., Jan. 8 /PRNewswire/ -- As winter weather creates poor driving conditions, improved visibility on the road is an important factor to enhance driver safety.
Poor visibility, especially at night, is a
serious driving hazard. According to the Motor Vehicle Lighting
Council, poor visibility is cited as a factor in an estimated 2.8
million accidents, 23,000 fatal crashes and 2,300 pedestrian deaths
every year in the United States. Osram Sylvania, the world leader in
automotive lighting solutions, offers a variety of automotive
headlights that provide better peripheral vision and viewing of the
road ahead.
"Preparing your vehicle for winter is
critical for safe driving throughout the season," said Denise
Champagne, marketing manager, Osram Sylvania. "It's important to
make sure headlights are a part of seasonal maintenance."
For drivers of any age, follow these tips to help
maintain safety and improve visibility on the road this winter:
-- "Winterize" your vehicle. Change the
engine lubricant to synthetic oil, change to winter wiper blades,
flush your cooling system with fresh coolant/antifreeze, fill the
washer fluid reservoir with de-icer washer fluid and carry an
emergency safety kit.
-- Drive with your lights on. If daytime
visibility is limited, turn on your headlights to be seen by other
drivers. When traveling in snowy weather, remember to brush off your
taillights, turn signals and headlamps.
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-- Change headlights in pairs before they burn
out. Most headlights dim up to 20 percent over time so evaluate yours
every year for optimum performance. The end of daylight savings time
is a perfect yearly reminder.
-- Upgrade to high performance halogen lighting.
Sylvania SilverStar(R) Ultra bulbs are up to 50 percent brighter and
increase downroad visibility by up to 40 percent when compared to worn
standard bulbs. Studies have shown that whiter, brighter halogen
lighting can improve reaction time, increase nighttime visibility and
provide better roadside viewing.
-- Check headlight alignment. Misaligned
headlights can be distracting and dangerous. Ask your auto service
technician to align them for you.
-- Clean headlight lenses regularly. Wash
headlight lenses when you wash your windshield. You'll see better at
night and in poor weather conditions.
-- Make sure all vehicle lights are working. Have
a friend turn on your headlights and signal lights while you walk
around the outside of your vehicle.
-- Check your tire pressure regularly. Whether
you park inside or outside, you will lose a pound of tire pressure for
every 10 degrees of outside temperature change.
-- Adjust your speed. By decreasing your speed
you allow yourself more time to respond in bad weather.
-- Brake carefully. When roads are slippery,
brake in a straight line before a curve in the road. Lift your foot
from the brake before you steer into a corner. This allows you to
steer and not slide through the corner. Don't accelerate away from the
corner until the steering wheel is again straight.
For more tips and information, visit your local
automotive retailer or www.sylvania.com/auto.
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