Melt Away

Your Safe Driving Habits

The snow and ice may be gone for much of the country, but it's important for drivers to stay “street smart” this spring. Spring showers may bring dangerous driving conditions along with the flowers.

In fact, wet roads can be just as slippery as ice-covered roads. Compounding matters, rainy weather can also affect driver visibility. As drivers hit the road this spring, here are a few tips to help ensure a safe journey to your destination:

Do not use cruise control during heavy rains or hail. Cruise control during low traction wet conditions could lead to hydroplaning or loss of vehicle control. Using the cruise feature also allows you to move your feet away from the pedals, and disengaging the cruise control may take crucial seconds during an emergency situation.

Replace worn tires. Your tires are what keep your car on the road. Worn out treads provide less traction. Also, make sure tires are inflated properly according to your vehicle owner's manual.

Replace worn wiper blades. Poorly maintained windshield wipers can hamper visibility in poor weather.

Clean windows. After a long winter salt and other road residue can build up on your windows. Wiper effectiveness and visibility can be greatly enhanced by just cleaning the glass and removing the residue. Cleaning the inside of the glass can also increase visibility and help the defroster clear you windows faster by reducing moisture buildup.

Check all lighting. Rain itself can also impact visibility so check all vehicle lighting including headlights, taillights, back-up lights, turn signals, parking lights and brake lights. These lights are important because they help you and other motorists to see each other in times of limited visibility.