Several studies have recently taken place on road and driving safety at leading universities and the Institute for Highway and Traffic Safety. These studies show that many accidents can be avoided. Also, these studies have shown that the severity of accidents that cannot be avoided can be greatly reduced. Below are the results of the studies and tips that will help increase your driving safety.
First, dirty or scratched windshields and headlights are a big safety risk. If you receive glare from an oncoming car and cannot see due to a dirty windshield your risk of having an accident is greatly increased. Dirty or scratched windshields will actually reflect the light causing more glare and possibly blinding your vision. It is a good idea to properly clean your windshield every time you fill up. Many service stations have windshield washing fluid and brushes free for you to use. It is also a good idea to check your headlights.
If your headlights are worn or yellowed from the sun and weathering, they will be ineffective and greatly reduce your night time vision. According to the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety: An average of 9 out of every 10 cars on the road today has dirty or yellowed headlights that greatly reduce vision and need to be replaced or restored. There is now a patented headlight cleaner and restorer kit readily available from one company that have been proven effective in restoring headlights to like new and greatly increasing your night time driving safety. Another study has shown that just the color choice for your car or truck could be the difference in whether or not you get in an accident.
The safest color was found to be silver as it reflected more light and was easier to see. Dark colors like dark blue, dark green, black and similar actually blended in with the environment in certain tests and were harder to see. Some dark colors actually had a 50% higher accident rate like dark blue and dark green.
It was shown that light reflecting colors and bright colors were easily seen and much safer. Ever wonder why some auto insurance companies ask what color your car is? Its not for informational or replacement records. Its because certain colors will increase your risk and thusly your insurance premium.
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