Clear vision is downright critical when driving on McHenry winter days and nights

It's always good to be able to see where you're

going when driving. But, you'll find there are

some serious challenges to clear vision when

driving on a cold, snowy night in McHenry.

Have you ever seen drivers pull bonehead moves as you drive down the road having left your McCullom Lake home? Chances are you have and probably with an uncomfortable frequency. Hopefully, you’ve managed to avoid any hazardous conditions their mental lapses have created.

Now, imagine that it’s winter, the McHenry roads are slick, it’s nighttime and, for some reason, you’re wearing a thick pair of sunglasses. Of course, no one in their right mind would wear sunglasses while driving in the dark but, just for the sake of argument, let’s suppose that you are. How safe will you feel?

Suddenly, the ability to see where you’re going, and where other people are driving nearby, is fully appreciated. Clear vision is the first defensive measure when driving any time of the year. But, in the winter, it’s more critical than ever.

The ability to see is the first line of defense when driving because you base your actions when driving on what you see. You may hear tires squealing, which will alert you to danger, but, until you see what’s happening, it’s unlikely you’ll know how to react to avoid potential perils. 

Driving without properly clearing snow and ice off the windshield and other windows is tantamount to wearing sunglasses on a dark night. You are challenging your eyes to see around you when their ability is hampered by conditions, including those you can control.

Headlights are critical to helping you see, too. And those other lights on your vehicle, referred to as signal lights, help other drivers to see you there and understand your intentions as you drive.

Then you have your windshield defroster to melt ice and frost that might build up on your windshield. You’ll want to make sure your antifreeze/coolant and blowers are operating properly so they can perform this critical winter task.

What about your windshield wipers and washer solvent? Are the wipers in good shape or are they leaving nasty streaks on the windshield? Do you have enough windshield wiper solvent and will it spray across the windshield properly?

In the winter, the days in McHenry grow shorter, and you spend more time driving in the dark. But, even in the daytime, with slippery conditions, snow, ice and salt spray on the windows, your ability to see the road around you is not as simple as in the summertime. It’s a great idea to have your wipers, solvent and defrosters. And leave the sunglasses for sunny days.