INTERNATIONAL CHECK YOUR WIPERS DAY
International Check Your Wipers Day, on November 16, reminds drivers to regularly check their windshield wipers to ensure optimum visibility in the event of inclement weather on the road.
According to the FHWA, about 21% of all accidents in the United States are weather-related. As travelers plan for road trips, it’s important to remind them to proactively check their wipers. Visibility is an important factor in driving in poor weather conditions like rain, snow and ice. A survey by MICHELIN® Wiper Blades found that 92% of drivers agree that poor wiper blades can affect their driving ability. However, 90% of drivers do not plan the time to check their wipers properly and 55%+ don’t know how to check their wiper blades properly.
OBSERVING #CheckYourWipersDay
On International Check Your Wipers Day, ensure your family’s driving ability and safety by checking the windshield wipers on all your cars. Great reminders on when to check your wipers include:
- During an oil change.
- When you fill gas.
- After a car wash.
- Before a road trip.
- At the start of winter and spring seasons.
- Add checking your wipers to your maintenance checklist. When you celebrate, be sure to use #CheckYourWipersDay on social media.
Standard recommendations suggest we change our wiper blades every 6 to 12 months. However, the frequency varies depending on the location of residence and how often the vehicle is driven. This requires people to regularly inspect their wipers to ensure that they are not past the lifespan, which leads to compromised visibility.
INTERNATIONAL CHECK YOUR WIPERS DAY HISTORY
The Registrar at National Day Calendar proclaimed National Check Your Wipers Day in September of 2021. As of 2022, due to seasonality, MICHELIN® officially requested May 16th become National Check Your Wipers Day (Día Nacional de Revisar Tus Limpiaparabrisas) for countries in Latin America. Additionally, MICHELIN® changed the November 16 observance to International Check Your Wipers Day to be celebrated in the U.S., Canada, Europe and Asia. Both the May 16 and November 16 observances are a reminder to educate drivers about checking their wiper blades.
Regular car maintenance includes routinely checking the condition of the wiper blades for optimal performance. It also helps you avoid getting caught in inclement weather.