Driving in Omaha During Winter? Turn Your Lights On!

Lowered visibility is a significant factor in a ton of Omaha traffic accidents. Whether the reduced visibility is because of rain, snow or night driving, drivers all too often fail to take adequate precaution. How often have you seen drivers speed by you in blizzard conditions or on snow packed roads? Clearly, driving in Omaha during poor weather significantly increases your risk factor, no matter what the condition of your car is, because the chances of getting into an accident increases. Fortunately, there are precautions you can take to reduce that risk. Below, our team (Great Plains Auto Body – Emmet St) provided 10 Winter Driving Tips for driving safely in winter like conditions. We want to help you and your family to stay safe on the roads.

Turn Your Lights On!

Even if you can see others, it’s a good idea to turn your lights on to increase your visibility to other motorists. While driving in Omaha headlights let other drivers see you more easily, especially in bad weather.

• Always make sure your headlights and taillights are clear of snow.
• Check that all bulbs are working and that headlights are clean and aimed correctly.
• Turn on your headlights in the late afternoon before the sun begins to set. Always use low-beam headlights in fog, rain or snow.
• Saying that, are you ready for winter driving? More accidents happen in the winter and fall because drivers ignore safety precautions. Light bulbs burn out. Make sure you test your lights regularly, and carry spares.
• Being visible to oncoming traffic is important too. Be sure to signal your intention to turn well in advance.
• Clear all snow and ice from your vehicle’s windows, roof, hood, trunk, mirrors, lights and signals. Observe all speed limits and reduce your speed whenever road conditions or visibility are compromised by foul weather. You should allow at least three times more space than usual between you and the car in front of you.
• Don’t pass snow plows and sanding trucks. You’re likely to find the road in front of them worse than the road you left behind.

Visibility at Night

Even without rain or snow, night driving in Omaha can be more challenging. Night driving accounts for 25% of all driving.

Did you know that:

• Traffic death rates are three times greater at night than during the day
• 55% of all driving fatalities occur after dark
• 62% of pedestrian fatalities occur at night

Some tips to stay safe:

• Omaha Residents, Slow down
• Stay alert
• Use your headlights
• Increase the following distance between you and the vehicle ahead
• Drive in the middle lanes when it’s raining
• Stay within the tracks of the car ahead of you when there is snow
• Do not follow trucks too closely—their spray reduces vision
• Avoiding driving through puddles

What should you do now?

• Check your windshield wipers periodically. New wipers cost between $6 and $25.
• Make sure you have adequate windshield washer fluid.
• Use a headlight restoration kit if your headlights are dim or foggy.

Great Plains Auto Body Repair Omaha & Council Bluffs | Auto Body Shop Omaha