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There are techniques to lower your chance of an accident, even if winter driving might be unpleasant. The easiest way to achieve it is to maintain alertness.

In the winter, glare is frequently dangerous. This might impair your ability to see the road before you and raise your risk of an accident.

1. Go slowly

Winter months provide particular dangers from solar glare. Seeing other motorists, pedestrians, and even your own car is challenging.

Slowing down and using caution are the most significant ways to keep safe on the road. You’ll be able to prevent accidents and save lives as a result.

Using a pair of polarized glasses is a terrific approach to protecting and preserving your eyes’ health. Driving will be more pleasurable thanks to these glasses’ glare reduction.

Maintain a vast space between your car and other moving objects to help reduce glare. By doing this, you’ll be able to avoid being struck or rear-ended by a driver suffering from sun blindness.

Moreover, this is a good time to activate your headlights, increasing your visibility to other motorists. This can make it easier for you to stop or slow down quickly, lowering the likelihood that you’ll cause an accident.

2. Give other vehicles plenty of space between you and them.

So that you can see what’s going on around them, it’s crucial to keep enough space between you and other cars. You can avoid accidents or other risks on the road by doing this.

When driving, giving yourself at least three seconds of space from the vehicle in front of you is a good idea. By counting backward until you reach a fixed item, you may determine this number (such as a tree, signpost, or fire hydrant).

Increase the gap between your car and the vehicle in front of you if you see someone following too closely. You will have more time to respond if they suddenly stop or change lanes.

Also, giving heavy trucks, buses, RVs, and other oversized vehicles plenty of room while passing them is a good idea. They might move erratically and obstruct your vision of the road.

3. Switch on your headlights

Winter is when many drivers forget to turn on their headlights, but it can help keep you safer. While driving on slippery or snowy roads, this may significantly improve your vision, and it also makes you more visible to other drivers.

Your visibility will be substantially improved by turning on your headlights, even if you have daytime running lights. According to tests, headlights enable drivers to see vehicles from a distance that is more than twice as great as without them.

This is particularly true in the low winter sun, which may make driving and other road users challenging to see. Drivers may not move quickly enough to prevent a collision if they cannot detect pedestrians or other cars.

4. Don’t stare at things directly in front of you

Avoiding staring at things directly ahead is one of the most crucial pieces of driving safety advice. This might seem obvious, yet it’s frequently the one that gets the least attention.

To acquire a clear view of the road in front of you, you should be gazing at something 10 to 15 seconds in the future. This is important since it lets you quickly identify risks and prevent a potential accident.

It also lets you see how far you can pull out of the next lane if you need to make an emergency stop and where the next road is located.

Using your mirrors to view what is behind you is a helpful additional driving safety tip. You can prevent the dreaded rear-end crash by doing this. Also, it’s a good idea to be aware of how traffic merges at crossings and crossroads so that you can plan appropriately.

In winter, the roads can be extremely icy or foggy. Awareness of these conditions and applying the proper precautions when driving is essential.

Poor visibility is standard in many winter run-off road accidents. It’s often because drivers fail to anticipate the changing weather conditions on the road.

Keep Your Eyes Open

Keeping your eyes open is an important skill when driving during the winter. It’s especially essential when navigating snowy roads with limited visibility and other drivers who may be skidding or sliding in front of your vehicle.

If you cannot see the road clearly, shift your gaze down and to the right to use the white line on the side of the road or the lane markings as a guide. This can help you avoid being blinded by oncoming headlights and other hazards hiding in the darkness ahead of you.

You should also check your blind spot before changing lanes on the highway to ensure that nothing lurks behind you that could obstruct your view. This is important because it could be deadly to hit another vehicle if they are in your blind spot.

Stay Far Away From Other Vehicles

Poor visibility on winter roads can make it harder to see cars and other vehicles. To stay safe, you must look far ahead and always keep your eyes on the road.

The Ford Driving Skills for Life Team suggests looking at least 12 to 15 seconds ahead — about one block in the city or a quarter of a mile at highway speeds. This allows you to identify problem situations and react early.

Be especially careful when approaching an intersection or crosswalk with other vehicles. They may be about to cross or move into your lane.

Also, look behind you when slowing down a hill or long incline. This will allow you to check for signs, poles, or other stationary objects that may slow or stop the rear of your vehicle.

Lastly, watch for snow plows and other large vehicles. These vehicles have more significant blind spots than cars and are more likely to change lanes unexpectedly, exit the road, or be in the way of other vehicles.

Don’t Distract Yourself

Distractions can make it hard to stay focused on the road. They can cause you to miss important cues, like an animal on the road or a car trying to enter your lane.

It can even be a risk to your safety. If you are distracted, take a deep breath and focus on what’s happening around you.

This might mean turning off the music or changing the radio station. Or it could mean putting your phone away and focusing on your passengers instead.

Aside from visual and manual distractions, there’s also the issue of cognitive distraction.

Drivers who have trouble concentrating on the road are often the culprits of fatal accidents. They may chat or talk to someone inside the vehicle, eat or drink, or get lost in their thoughts.

Be Prepared

Winter roads are often slippery, making seeing cars ahead of you harder. If visibility is limited, slow down and stay alert.

Use your headlights and signal early to let other drivers know you’re oncoming. This will give them time to avoid a collision or slow down in advance.

Be aware that fog and rain can reduce visibility even further, and high-beam headlights will reflect off the moisture droplets to obscure vision more.

In such conditions, it is best to keep low-beam headlights on. Fog lights also help illuminate a larger surface area, making it easier to see your surroundings.

Changing lanes can be challenging in poor visibility, and you’ll need to check your blind spots before attempting to merge into traffic. A brief look around your shoulder and a few glances in your side-view mirror every 3-5 seconds will ensure you’re safe before moving over.

A bright pair of sunglasses will shield your eyes from the damaging UV rays while driving on sunny or icy roads. Sunglasses also lessen glare and improve your vision.

For drivers, snow, sleet, and ice can result in hazardous driving conditions, mainly if they need to be better equipped. This is why it’s critical to understand how well-equipped your car is for winter driving.

1. Guard Your Eyes Against UV Rays

Even if you might believe that the sun’s UV rays are less potent in the winter, your eyes are seriously at risk from them. Always wear sunglasses to shield your eyes from UV rays and winter glare, whether driving in the snow or engaging in outdoor activities.

UV rays can harm your eyes, but they can also result in macular degeneration and cataracts, which can result in blindness. UV radiation exposure over an extended period causes these disorders.

2. Eliminate Glare

Glare from snow and ice is a significant issue when driving in the winter. Thankfully, wearing sunglasses will quickly and effectively protect your eyes.

These can lessen glare and reduce the sun’s damaging UV rays. Polarized glasses are very good at minimizing glare on wet surfaces, including water and puddles.

This can make you more visible and aid in preventing harm, such as a vehicle collision. They can even lessen glare from rearview mirrors and traffic lights.

3. Guard Your Eyes Against Wind

Light glare reflected off the snow and ice is one of the many severe weather conditions that winter may offer. Eyestrain, blurred vision and other issues may result from this.

Luckily, using sunglasses is a simple solution to avoid these issues. Also, especially on snowy days, they are crucial for driving safety.

Sunglasses assist in shielding your eyes from glare, which may be unpleasant and risky when driving. Because sunlight reflects off objects like snow, ice, and automobile mirrors at a considerably lower angle in the winter than in the summer, it frequently causes problems.

These reflections are eliminated with polarized glasses, which also offer clear, comfortable viewing. Therefore wearing sunglasses is always a brilliant idea, whether on a sunny day or cloudy.

4. Avoid Headaches

Sunglasses provide other advantages outside, only shielding your eyes from UV radiation and brightness, such as reducing the likelihood of headaches. They can also prevent distractions while driving, such as watching TV or reading a book.

Bright light can injure your eyes, but they are made to resist it. As a result, your pupil closes to prevent part of the light rays from reaching your retina, and your squinting reaction prevents you from directly gazing at the reflected light.

Sunglasses are crucial to wear outside in the winter because of this. As sunlight reflections can produce glare and make it harder to see, the lenses should have high UV protection and be polarized.

5. Avoid Eye Injury

Sunglasses can shield you from dangers and reduce eye damage and other driving distractions. The lenses can stop harmful ultraviolet (UV) rays from entering your eyes, which can cause macular degeneration and cataracts.

The glare that can be brought on by sunlight reflecting off snow, puddles or the automobile in front of you can also be lessened with polarized lenses.

In bright or dim lighting, the sun’s glare can impair your vision and raise your risk of accidents. Driving in the winter, when the sun is lower in the sky and UV radiation can be twice as intense, it is especially vital to wear sunglasses.

Knowing how to drive safely is critical since the snow, ice, and other winter driving conditions cause traffic jams and delays nationwide.

Here are five suggestions to keep you safe this winter on the roadways. A winter automobile emergency kit should be assembled, you should accelerate and brake carefully, follow farther behind, and keep your eyes on the road.

1. Always Prepare

Get ready for safe travel whether you see relatives or go on an adventure with pals. While it might be challenging to avoid the unexpected while traveling totally, you can take steps to reduce your exposure to harmful circumstances.

It’s better to be ready for everything that can happen, especially when the weather is terrible. Making a winter survival pack for your car is one of the most crucial things you can do to ensure that you can keep warm and dry if you become trapped in a remote region or during a snowstorm.

2. Go More Slowly

Driving too quickly on the road is only sometimes a good idea. Many issues, including accidents and traffic congestion, may result from this.

The superb method to travel without incident and the best way to demonstrate to other drivers that you are courteous is to drive slowly.

Another crucial point to remember is that you should constantly be awake and aware of your surroundings. This will not only assist you in preventing accidents but also save you money over time! A functional set of jumper wires and an emergency kit should also be kept nearby.

3. Pay Attention to the Road

Keeping your eyes on the road when driving is one of the most crucial components. This is particularly true if you’re going in the winter when slippery and dangerous roadways might develop.

Your eyes are adept at picking out things and individuals that could be dangerous. These can include other cars, people walking, kids playing, and animals.

It’s simple to be sucked into a phone call or other distractions while driving, but you must always keep your eyes on the road. Whether you’re traveling in the winter or other hazardous weather conditions, this can help you prevent a vehicle disaster.

4. Avoid Going it Alone

A fantastic way to escape the everyday grind is to travel. Yet, it’s equally crucial to remain vigilant about your safety and surroundings.

You shouldn’t, for instance, go alone at night. It is far riskier than during the day.

Sharing your itinerary with someone you can trust is an excellent idea. If something occurs to you, they can assist you in making modifications or locating a new place to reside.

You should also have a lock on your daypack to be more vigilant. This will discourage thieves from attempting to take your valuables.

5. Have an Agenda

Even for experienced drivers, driving in the winter may be challenging. Before you get on the road, have a strategy to keep you and other drivers safe.

If a plan exists, everyone involved will know the destination and have everything they need to be safe throughout the travel. It also enables modifications in case the weather or the road conditions change en route.

Ensure your car has everything for winter driving, including a jumper cord, flares, traction aids, blankets, and a first aid kit. In an emergency, having a mobile phone and a car charger with you is a good idea.

If you’ve ever wondered does cold weather affect eye pressure, then you’re not alone. Most people have a natural tendency to experience higher levels of eye pressure during the colder months of the year, which is why it’s important to pay close attention to the health of your eyes during the winter season. Fortunately, there are steps you can take to prevent the effects of cold weather from getting worse.

Excess Tearing and Runny Eyes

Watery eyes may seem to be a cliche, but they are a real ailment. Not only do they cause discomfort, but they can be embarrassing. Fortunately, there are many treatments for watering eyes.

The most common causes are dry eye syndrome, infections, clogged tear ducts, and other health conditions. You can treat these ailments by taking the right medications.

Oftentimes, watery eyes are an indication that your tears are working correctly. Tears help keep the surface of your eyes moist and can also help heal any injuries. They can be produced in excess, however, and can negatively affect your vision.

Getting enough sleep, drinking plenty of water, and maintaining a healthy diet are all ways to combat eye fatigue. But if you’re still struggling, you should see your doctor.

Eye allergies can also cause watering, redness, and other symptoms. Some allergy medicines can be helpful in treating these symptoms.

Another common cause of watery eyes is aging. As we age, our eyelid tissues relax, which can lead to blocked tear ducts.

Glaucoma

Glaucoma is a disease that affects the eyes. If left untreated, it can lead to vision loss and blindness. The condition can be controlled by lowering the pressure in the eye. It can also be treated with eye drops or surgery.

Glaucoma patients should be aware of the effects of winter weather on their eyes. They should be proactive in scheduling their eye doctor’s appointments. Wear sunglasses to protect their eyes. Also, they should avoid salt, saturated fats, and caffeine.

In cold weather, the oxygen particles in the air condense. This causes a build-up of fluid in the eye. When the pressure is increased, damage to the optic nerve may occur faster.

The intraocular pressure (IOP) fluctuates in the seasons. This is higher in healthy eyes than in patients with open-angle glaucoma (POAG). A temporary decline in IOP in the summer can help prevent the progression of glaucoma. However, high IOP in the winter is believed to have a negative effect on the progression of the disease.

Humidifiers

If you have dry eyes, you might want to look into a humidifier. Dry air in the winter can be dehydrating, especially if you spend a lot of time indoors.

Cold air can cause dry eyes and even illness. Air vents and heaters can also contribute to the problem. You should also protect your eyes by staying away from direct airflow and avoiding close contact with heating vents.

You should try to drink more fluids to keep your body hydrated. This can increase the amount of moisture your tears have to fight off. It also helps to wear sunglasses that block UV light. Wearing a pair of these will reduce your risk of macular degeneration and cataracts.

Other options include using cool-mist humidifiers. These prevent the nasal passages from drying out and make it easier to breathe at night.

A central humidifier can be installed in your home’s heating system. These can add moisture to the entire house.

Make Regular Visits to Your Optician

If you live in an area that is prone to winter weather, you need to take extra steps to protect your eye health. Cold temperatures can cause your eyes to become dehydrated, which can result in blurry vision. The dry air can also cause pain and discomfort. It’s important to make regular visits to your optician for an exam.

You should always see an optician when you notice changes in your vision. When you go for an appointment, you will be asked about your current activities, your work environment, and your recent health conditions. These questions will help your doctor determine the extent of any damage to your eyes.

A comprehensive exam will include testing your peripheral vision, measuring your cornea’s thickness, and checking the drainage angle of your eye. Your doctor may use fluorescein drops to detect any superficial irregularities on your cornea. This will allow your doctor to diagnose glaucoma, an eye disease that causes damage to the optic nerve. Glaucoma is treatable.