MILWAUKEE, Wis. — One key component of our cars that we really don’t think about when driving is the unsung hero, the Windshield. That’s the subject of this month’s, Drivers Ed with Debbie.
The closer we get to winter, the more we need to think of how we are going to deal with the adverse weather conditions with our cars.
It should be a no-brainer, if for some reason, you can’t see out of your windshield, you notice it. But as annoying as it can be to have to take the time out to scrape your windshield, it’s really important to be able to see when you’re driving. There’s a reason we can’t just crank up the defrost and away we go. If you can’t see, you’re not aware of what’s going on around you, and that’s just not safe.
Dodge County Sheriff Dale Schmidt says he recalls back to his patrolling days when he came across one particular lazy driver.
“Trying to stop somebody because the had probably about a foot of snow all over their car and about a 12 inch window out the front where they could ‘see’. And I was behind them with lights and sirens for a mile and a half before he finally pulled over. He had no idea what was going on around him, no idea an emergency vehicle was behind him. And that will end up with a citation every time.”
Speaking of citations, Schmidt says it is a primary offense, meaning you can be pulled over for it. You can read the Wisconsin Statute here.
“That is a violation of $175.30 and two demerit points for the first violation. A second violation, however, is $213.10 and another two points,” says Schmidt.
Not cheap, but neither is possibly getting into an accident because you couldn’t see and possibly hurting yourself or others. That’s why windshields are the unsung hero of the automotive world.
A few more tips:
Turn the front defogger on high. If your vehicle has a rear windshield defroster, you will want to turn on that car defroster as well.
Turn the fan on high. This maximizes the amount of drying air.
Turn the temperature on high. Warmer air holds more moisture and can dry the fog faster.
Turn the air conditioning on. This makes the fan act as a dehumidifier.
Turn off the recirculated air. Outside air is dryer than your humid car on a cold day.
TOP HEADLINES FROM THE WTMJ NEWS TEAM:
- ‘Broadcasting legend’ Jeff Wagner to retire from WTMJ after 25 years
- Press conference scheduled related to 1966 Menomonee Falls cold case
- Two Wauwatosa elementary schools potentially closing
- Milwaukee Public Museum and Culvers announce partnership, will reveal new details on “Streets” replacement
READ: ‘Broadcasting legend’ Jeff Wagner to retire from WTMJ after 25 years
