Lights

Lights  Keep all of your lights clean and clear. Don't forget to wipe them clean when you stop for breaks during long journeys in poor weather conditions.

     For those of you with a CHiMSeL (Center, High-Mounted Stop Light -- or low mounted in some cases -- would that be a CLoMSeL?) remember to make sure that it, too, is clear of snow when cleaning your car off in winter. Central braking lights make a big difference to other drivers' reactions so make sure they can see yours!

     In many regions or countries, the law requires that you switch on headlights half an hour after sunset and you may switch them off again half an hour before dawn. But if ever there was a stupid law, this is it. Many times, before sunset and after dawn, low sunlight or -- if cloudy -- very drab lighting can make it hard to see and be seen. A good driver is the first to put on his/her headlights and the last to switch them off. Be safe; be seen!

     In a similar vein, it is always an essential safety rule that whenever you have to use the windshield wipers you should also switch on your low beam headlights. This is the law in some U.S. states and in some other countries. Wipers on; headlights on!

     If ever in doubt about the ambient light or your own conspicuity, switch the headlights on. Do not drive using just parking lights (a.k.a. side lights). Doing so much less safe than using headlights, for obvious reasons, and gains you absolutely nothing.