Nearly one-third of Finnish drivers admit they did not properly clear snow and ice from car windows last winter. A traffic safety organization expressed concern about this negligent behavior.
Approximately 1,200 people responded to the survey conducted in May. Most respondents were regular drivers. The survey revealed troubling habits among Finnish motorists.
Traffic safety experts now remind drivers to allocate sufficient time for window scraping during cold mornings. They emphasize that a small peephole does not provide adequate visibility.
Properly cleaning all windows ensures drivers can see in every direction. This basic safety measure prevents accidents.
Preheating the car makes the scraping task easier. Some vehicles also feature dedicated windshield heating systems.
Foggy windows can occur during driving too. Increasing fan speed and temperature while directing airflow toward windows solves this problem.
Training advisor Minna Jokinen advises drivers to consult their vehicle manuals. Each car model has specific recommended settings for defogging.
These precautions prevent panic situations on the road. Maintaining clean windows inside and out also reduces glare from oncoming traffic.
When visibility remains poor despite these measures, drivers should reduce speed. Lower speeds provide more reaction time and maintain vehicle control.
Jokinen states that drivers must set speeds allowing them to stop when necessary. This simple adjustment could save lives during winter conditions.
Finnish winters present unique driving challenges that require extra preparation. The survey results suggest many drivers underestimate these risks despite regular winter conditions.