A Ten-Minute Training Topics Presentation Poor Visibility A Ten-Minute Training Topics Presentation

Statistics “Approximately 39 percent of all crashes and 53 percent of fatal crashes occur at night or during other degraded visibility conditions. Reduced visibility is a factor in 2.5 million crashes a year, including 15,000 fatal crashes.” – US Dept. of Transportation

Statistics “Reduced visibility is a significant factor in 42 percent of all vehicle crashes and contributes to the danger inherent in any maneuver requiring a fast and accurate visual response. Reduced visibility can be caused by lighting and weather conditions such as glare, dawn, dusk, dark, artificial light, rain, sleet, snow, and fog.” – US Dept. of Transportation

Introduction There are a lot of factors which make driving more difficult than normal. Driving during heavy traffic, poor weather or while you feel ill or tired is much more difficult and dangerous than on a sunny, clear day.

Introduction One of the factors that contribute to a greater risk of crashes is when we struggle to see the road ahead. Poor visibility when driving can occur from a number of causes.

Introduction During warm months dust, mud, rain and insect splatters can smear your windshield. Snow, sleet, freezing rain and fog can similarly hinder your ability to see traffic in the winter.

Introduction The ongoing maintenance of windshield wiper blades, windshield washer pumps and check valves, and even the choice of windshield washer solutions can have a dramatic effect (good or bad) when you need to clear your windshield during these varied weather and dust conditions.

Introduction Even the thoughtful use of tinted glass and the proper maintenance of special devices such as mirror heaters (to melt ice build up) can become critical to visibility.

Introduction Finally, visibility concerns also include the ability for other motorists to see your vehicle during difficult conditions. Check to be sure that all of your vehicle’s lights work properly and brightly (marker lamps, fog lamps, brake lamps, etc.). Being able to be seen by other drivers may help avoid a collision.

Weather Concerns Conducting routine maintenance checks is the best way to be ready for effects of poor weather. Be sure to check: Lights (high/low beam settings, auxiliary lights, turn signals, brake lights) Windshield washer fluids (use the proper type and check any auxiliary reservoirs) Defrosters and cabin heating systems Heated (external) mirrors

Weather Concerns Remember that windows may fog up during cool weather – simply wiping a “porthole” in the condensation is not a safe way to navigate – make sure your defrosters work effectively before leaving on a trip. Make time to give the inside of the windows a thorough cleaning before starting on a trip – clean rags and cleaning solutions can help keep your view through the windshield crystal clear.

Weather Concerns When weather makes visibility very poor (white out conditions in snow, or heavy fog, etc.): Stay calm, slow down gradually to drive at a speed that suits the conditions to allow more following distance and room to maneuver or stop suddenly. Be patient. Avoid passing, changing lanes and crossing traffic unless really necessary. In fog, use your low beam headlights. High beams can reflect off the moisture droplets in the fog, making it harder to see. If you have fog lights on your vehicle, use them.

Weather Concerns If visibility becomes so poor that you can’t continue driving, find a safe place to pull well off of the road – away from the travel lane. Keep marker lights on to help warn other motorists of your location.

Dawn and Dusk Concerns During dawn and dusk it is much harder to spot pedestrians, cyclists and animals that may cross your path. There are several reasons including fog from temperature inversions, low sun angles, and generally poor contrast during lower light conditions.

Dawn and Dusk Concerns Here are a few tips that may help: Keep your windows clean (inside and out) - this helps reduce glare and ease eyestrain – plan on cleaning the glass (inside and out) at least once a month Clean your headlights (and brake lights, etc.) before starting on a trip - dirt on the headlight lenses can distort the focused beam and reduce their effectiveness Proper use of high beam settings and auxiliary lighting (i.e. “fog lights”, etc.) can also help spot obstacles, pedestrians and parked vehicles at nighttime Maintain a safe speed – driving too fast at night restricts your available time to recognize a hazard, react and stop in a safe distance.

Additional Issues for Visibility Specialized Equipment and Maintenance may help with visibility (seeing and being seen): Replacement silicone blades for windshield wipers may also help keep your line of sight clear. Pure silicone rubber remains soft down to sub-freezing temperatures and will not degrade from UV light, ozone or prolonged exposure to heat. Typically, these blades last much longer and only cost a little more than traditional blades. Simply filling the windshield washer reservoir may not be enough – the nozzles that spray the fluid on your windshield can become clogged or blocked by dirt and mud. Also, the check valve on the system can malfunction causing a low volume or low pressure stream of washer fluid. This can lead to smearing rather than cleaning of the windshield. These items should be checked by a qualified mechanic periodically.

Additional Issues for Visibility Have your eyes checked regularly. If you are having trouble seeing, have your eyes checked. The solution may be as simple as new eyeglasses. As we age our eyes change - clarity is not as sharp and our peripheral vision may start to fade. Older eyes need more light and are more sensitive to glare. While some drivers claim that yellow lenses can help fight glare at night, they can distort colors and perception during the daytime. Anti-reflective coating on clear lenses may help with night driving – check with your eye care specialist.

Additional Issues for Visibility Be aware of “blind spots” where it is difficult to see other vehicles. Start by adjusting the mirrors. You cannot eliminate blind spots, but properly setting your mirrors can reduce them.

Additional Issues for Visibility Be aware of “blind spots” where it is difficult to see other vehicles. Move your head. Blind spots occur even in properly set mirrors, so turn your head and look over your shoulder when backing up or changing lanes. Intersections present a different blind spot challenge. Oncoming vehicles (i.e. red light runners or drivers failing to stop at stop signs) may appear at any time. Good peripheral vision isn't enough to cover intersections and potential cross traffic, so it is important to move your head when approaching intersections.

Summary Seeing clearly ahead of and around your vehicle is critical to safe operation. Being seen by other motorists also helps to minimize the risk of collisions.

Summary Many factors contribute to poor visibility: poor weather, smudgy windows, poorly working lights, and weak wiper blades could make seeing clearly ahead of and around your vehicle a challenge. Basic inspections and preventative maintenance prior to trips can help assure that you’ll be able to see clearly while driving. Don’t Let Poor Visibility Ruin Your Drive!

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