Spring Showers Bring Driving Safety Hazards
April 11, 2005
Worn out tires and windshield wiper blades are symptoms of neglected vehicle maintenance that put drivers and passengers at serious risk during the typically rainy months of spring.
Thin tire treads create hazardous driving conditions when water builds up on the roadway, according to the Car Care Council. Deep tread accommodates accumulated water; thin tread does not. Thin tread causes the tire to hydroplane – ride up on a film of water, losing contact with the pavement, similar to driving on ice.
The simplest way to check tire tread depth is with a penny. Insert the penny into the grooves of the tread. If you are able to see all of Lincoln's head, the tire needs replacement.
Rainy weather also affects driver visibility. Because 90 percent of driving decisions depend on good vision, a clean windshield is imperative. Streaking and smearing impair vision and are caused by worn windshield blades. One out of every five vehicles that went through the Car Care Council’s check lanes had worn wiper blades.
"Replacing worn wiper blades is easy and inexpensive," said Rich White of the Car Care Council. "Why put it off until there's a downpour and your blades are chattering and smearing the windshield?"
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"Be Car Care Aware" is a consumer education campaign about the benefits of regular vehicle care, maintenance and repair. An integrated marketing and public relations campaign will build awareness and knowledge to prepare consumers to make sensible decisions about their vehicles. Built around three key message areas of safety, dependability and pride of ownership, the campaign is spearheaded by the Automotive Aftermarket Industry Association (AAIA), with the Car Care Council serving as the brand and messaging source.
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