Hopefully, we’re on the tail end of the McHenry winter of 2023-24. But, past experience tells us that we can hardly assume that’s the case. In other words, the considerations of winter driving are still pertinent.

Winter driving includes greater attention to visibility. Snow, sleet, freezing rain and the spray of water infused with roadsalt can play havoc with the surface of your windshield, side windows, rear window and even your side mirrors. It’s essential that you have good wipers, plenty of windshield washer solvent, defrosters that work and that you keep all the windows and mirrors of your car, truck or SUV in optimal condition so you can operate your vehicle safely.

You also want headlights that help you to see and indicator lights that let other drivers know your intentions.

Do you have good tires that can better grip the road? You’ll need them to steer effectively, to get going and, crucially, to stop in the space allotted. In terms of how much space you need in order to stop, in many ways, that’s up to you. Do you allow more room between yourself and other vehicles? Do you slow down in general and, particularly, in situations that could require an unexpected stop or adjustment of travel.

Even in warm weather, visibility is critical. With some storms, the skies turn so dark, it’s almost like night. At other times, storms come at night. In either case, once again, you want good headlights and indicator lights. Your ability to see is as crucial as it is for other drivers (and pedestrians) to see you.

Good tires are essential at all times of year and, though a rain-covered road isn’t necessarily as slippery as a road covered with snow and/or ice, the better the traction the better chance you have of avoiding problems.

You need to slow down as conditions require. In some instances, the rain comes down so hard that visibility is reduced to almost zero. If you can ease your car, truck or SUV over to the shoulder, that’s a good idea. But, most importantly, you want those headlights and indicator lights to work effectively. In fact, you probably want to turn on the emergency lights.

The same is true with fog. Slowdown. Use your low beams. That’s right – your low beams. High beams are for driving on clear nights. Their brighter lights tend to reflect back on the driver otherwise, and make it harder to see.

Whatever the weather, make sure your visibility and traction are up to the task when you pull out of your McHenry driveway. And drive safe.