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Ways to Improve Your Winter Commute
It is a known fact that the commute is one
of the most dangerous drives you will undertake. There are several simple reasons for this;
the main one being the fact that you become complacent when undertaking the
same drive every single day. It is also
common for people to be rushing when undertaking this journey which can add to
the risk factor. In fact, many road
accidents happen within a mile of your home when on the commute. Fortunately there are several things you can
do to reduce the risks and improve your drive:
Heated
Windscreen Wiper Blades
Your winter commute will involve ice at
some point, usually when you are short on time.
Heated wiper blades from
Crystal Clear can be purchased for less than $70 and will allow you to
drive off instantly with good visibility.
This dramatically reduces the safety risks involved in your early
morning drive. Although heated
windscreen wiper blades are often associated with emergency response vehicles
and luxury cars, they can be purchased for virtually any type of vehicle and
are an excellent investment.
Vary
the Route
One of the most tedious elements of the
daily commute is the fact that it is the same scenery every day; in fact, it is
often the same drivers that you will pass or follow. This adds to the boredom factor; and
increases the risk of having an accident.
One excellent way to avoid this is to change your route; choose two or
three alternatives and drive each of them every week to help stay alert. You may be surprised at how much more
interesting your drive is and that you are more alert.
Winter
Tires
These are an essential item for anyone who
drives regularly in wintery conditions.
These tires are specifically designed to improve grip and handling in
cold weather. Having confidence in your
vehicle will allow you to make an emergency maneuver when you need to.
Car
health Check
Everyone should have an annual health check
and the best time to do this is just before the winter starts. This can also be a good time to change to
your winter tires. The health check will
ensure your coolant level is correct and your oil is fresh as well as all the other
fluids. It also involves a visual
inspection of all the major components of your vehicle; this will help to
ensure your vehicle is safe and responds properly when you need it to. Simply not breaking down through the winter
is also a bonus!
Music
If you play loud music in the car you are
likely to be distracted. However, research
suggests that some types of music will help you to complete tasks faster and
others will calm and sooth you. Ideally
you wish to pick a music that you enjoy and has a fast enough tempo to wake you
whilst being soothing enough to help you deal with any issues on the drive to
work. The music will help to lift your
spirits even on the coldest winter day!
It is also beneficial not to make your
vehicle too warm in the morning; it is likely to make you want to go back to
sleep!