With winter’s arrival, one can never know for sure whether a major storm will result in serious driving issues, to the point where a group auto insurance claim may be imminent due to the hazardous road conditions. These incidents can be avoided, however, through the right combination of safety adherence from all the drivers on the road.

What can get in the way of that becoming a reality is if the windshield becomes too difficult to see through, due to a combination of the elements, the time of day or night and glare from oncoming cars’ headlights. With this in mind, automotive experts offer a few tips for how to see clearly on the road this winter.

Brush away ALL snow

One of the biggest issues is when drivers only clear just enough snow off their car so that they can see. While this may save time and seem as though it’s safe, not clearing away everything can result in problems down the road – literally – as what’s left can slide down the roof and into one’s line of vision. Thus, motorists should make sure that the snow on their car is completely swept away before getting behind the wheel.

Seek out winter windshield wipers

Wiper blades may seem unimportant when the weather is clear and the temperatures are warm. But they can be one of the most crucial aspects of a car when the weather turns nasty, as blades that fail to work properly can make driving a real hazard. In fact, they may not even be broken and still not do an effective job clearing away snowfall, sleet or freezing rain. Fortunately, there are blades that can be purchased that are meant for winter driving. These wipers are made of material that cuts through frozen precipitation more effectively and prevents ice from building up. Law indicates that they can usually be purchased for around $40 and are easy to install.

Become familiar with temperature settings

Something else to be aware of is how to use the vehicle’s internal temperature controls. Gone are the days when there were only one or two levers that adjusted the climate inside the car. Now there are various nobs and settings, which can be confusing to decipher what’s what in the middle of a storm. This makes it important to review the vehicle’s owner’s manual. It should have a more in-depth description of the various temperature gauges and how to adjust the defrost.

Beware of glare

Depending on the time of day, glare from the sun can serve as a real problem when it’s so bright that it causes someone to avert their eyes. It can be even more distracting in the winter when snow is on the ground, as the sun reflects off of the snow’s surface, making it appear much brighter than it actually is. Thus, drivers should ensure that their visors are in position and can be folded down when needed. A reliable pair of sunglasses should also be obtained.

Adhering to these recommendations can not only help drivers avoid an auto insurance accident with another driver but also with bicyclists, many of whom ride the roadways even when the temperatures dip. According to Transport Canada, there have been at least four dozen fatalities each year since 2005 involving a bicyclist after they were hit by a car.