Clean Windscreens: How Visibility Affects Mood and Road Rage

Having a clear view of the road ahead is vitally important when it comes to road safety. Not only is it a legal requirement to ensure a safe driving experience for all, but proper visibility can also impact a driver’s mood and the likelihood of a road rage incident. 

At The Windscreen Company, we have spent more than 25 years ensuring drivers in the West Midlands and the South East have windscreens of the highest standards, and in this article, we’ll take a closer look at how visibility can also impact mood. 

Why visibility matters 

Visibility is one of the most important aspects of driving. In fact, it is a legal requirement for drivers to have a clear view of the road ahead, and windscreen damage or dirt can make your car illegal to drive and potentially cause it to fail an MOT.

Not only is clear visibility just about safety, but it can also impact confidence and calmness when behind the wheel. Reduced visibility can cause hesitation, late reactions and increased stress levels. 

Dirty windscreens and their hidden stress triggers 

A dirty or obscured windscreen can often be the tipping point in already frustrating driving conditions like congestion or traffic jams. Here are some of the most obvious consequences of a dirty windscreen that may trigger an incident:

• Amplified glare – Smudges, streaks and dust particles can be intensified by other drivers’ headlights. This means that instead of having a clear view of the road, drivers are faced with bright and often blurred vision, which forces people to adjust their eyes. The eye is naturally drawn to these areas, which can make it more dangerous.  
• Road debris – Gravel, grit and dust from the road can all flick onto the windscreen glass and quickly coat it, causing a lack of visibility. 
• Bird droppings – Stains from bird droppings can sometimes leave patches that make it distracting for drivers. 

While each of these things may seem small, they can cause reduced visibility, which might create hidden stress triggers which make road rage or a collision more likely. 

Simple habits to keep your windscreen clear

It’s fairly easy to keep your windscreen clear, and here are some tips you can incorporate into your regular car maintenance routine: 

• Make sure to clean the windscreen regularly – When you’re washing your car, make sure not to neglect the glass. A wipedown once or twice a week will be enough to keep it clear. 
• Top up washer fluid – Always make sure your wiper fluid is topped up so it can be used at a moment’s notice to wipe away any stains on the glass that may develop when driving. 
• Replace windscreen wipers on time – Don’t leave old windscreen wipers on your vehicle as they can leave smears and spread stains rather than cleaning them. Once they’ve become worn, replace them promptly. Wipers should be replaced at least once a year.
• Visually check your vehicle – Before you drive, make sure to visually inspect your windscreen to make sure the glass is not obscured. 
• Fix chips as soon as possible – If your glass has suffered damage, such as chips or cracks, it is imperative that you get it fixed as soon as possible to make sure your visibility is never compromised.

A clear windscreen reduces stress and improves the safety of your vehicle, and here at The Windscreen Company, we provide drivers with leading windscreen repairs and replacements. So, if your vehicle has suffered any windscreen damage, get in touch with our team today. 

The Windscreen Company

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The Windscreen Company, has over 20 years of experience in windscreen repair and replacement. Since 1998, they have been at the forefront of industry innovation, leveraging the latest technology to ensure customer safety and satisfaction.

The Windscreen Company's, help-and-advice pages offer valuable tips and guidance on maintaining vehicle safety through quality windscreen care, while also featuring updated industry realted content.

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