Iowa Should Remember Important Car Setting When Driving in Snow

Whether you love or hate snow, it's inevitable that in the state of Iowa, you're going to have to drive when it's snowing at some point. You can pretty much count on that every winter you live in the Hawkeye state and there isn't a whole lot you can do about it.  Whether it's a small amount of flurries or a blizzard, driving while it's snowing is a skill you're going to have to learn when you live here.

Everyone knows, or at least should know, it's important to take things slow when it's snowing. You can't be in a big hurry to get anywhere. Start slow and break early. Remove the snow and ice from your car. Increase your following distance and make sure you have a solid pair of windshield wipers.

There's another important tip you should be aware of because this could potentially save your life. There's a setting in your car you might need to change if you're driving in the snow and/or rain.

Not Only Can This Keep You More Safe...It's the Law

Anytime you're driving and you're using your windshield wipers, you need to turn your headlights on. Not only can this keep you safe but it's actually the law in Iowa. According to the Iowa Legislature

Every motor vehicle upon a highway within the state, at any time from sunset to sunrise, and at such other times when conditions such as fog, snow, sleet, or rain provide insufficient lighting to render clearly discernible persons and vehicles on the highway at a distance of five hundred feet ahead, shall display lighted headlamps as provided in section 321.415, subject to exceptions with respect to parked vehicles.

 

Important Setting You Need To Remember

Most cars you see on the road today have headlights that turn on automatically when it starts to get dark. Cars use a sensor that signals their headlights to turn on when you have your lights set to "auto." It's important to remember that when you have your lights set to "auto" that doesn't necessarily mean your lights will turn on if it's snowing and/or raining.

If it's snowing and you have your windshield wipers on, you might need to change your headlight setting from auto to manual so that you know for a fact your headlights are on. Not only is this the law, it can help other drivers see you, and could potentially save your life.

Drive safe this winter! Now if only we could get Iowans to use their blinkers...