Experts predict another summer of record-breaking highway travel. Most of us will have our cars checked, and serviced before we hit the road, confident that we have taken every safety precaution. However, being safe means more than having good tires, a spare and a flare in the trunk. Highway safety begins with a driver who can see and be seen.

According to the Car Care Council, fully 18 percent of vehicles inspected during National Car Care Month in October, failed because of lighting discrepancies. From worn out windshield wipers to a sudden sneeze, there are many ways a driver’s vision can be impaired. It’s tough to anticipate a sneeze, but you certainly have plenty of warning when windshield wipers begin smearing, and chattering across the glass. Your vision/visibility checklist should include:

1. WIPERS. Wiper blades should be checked periodically, and the rubber "squeegee" part replaced every six months; at the outset, one year. If they’re worn or brittle, it’s time to replace them.

Clean the blades with glass cleaner or windshield wiper solvent to remove accumulated oily road film. If the wiper arm springs are weak or broken, replace the arm. This ensures the pressure will be evenly distributed along the length of the blade.

Be sure the windshield washers are working properly, too, and that you keep the reservoir filled with solvent.

2. SIGNALS. Get in the habit of checking your turn signals, brake lights and emergency flashers. They are essential for communication. When they’re not working properly, other drivers can’t get your message and the results can be disastrous.

3.HEADLIGHTS. When the sun goes down, your chance of being involved in a fatal accident may increase by as much as 300 percent. That’s a good reason to check your headlights on a regular basis to make sure they are working on both high and low beam, and are properly aimed. It’s also a good idea to keep your headlights on while driving, if your vehicle is not equipped with daytime running lights. They help define your car’s position on the road, and its distance from other drivers.

4. REAR WINDOW. If you have luggage, camping gear or other travel items loaded in the rear window, you may be an accident waiting to happen. Although side mirrors help, they are a poor substitute for a clear view out the back window. Likewise, an unobstructed view when backing up is essential.

5. WINDSHIELD. The combined effect of chipped or cracked glass, bugs and road film obscure vision. Repair a damaged windshield as soon as possible and clean it regularly with windshield wiper solvent and a clean paper towel or cloth. A great product to use is RAIN. Applying this every couple of months keeps the windshield clear and rain beads off of it.

6. SUNGLASSES. There are times when the sun visors above your windshield will not be enough to shield your eyes from glare, so have a good pair of sunglasses handy. Beware of substandard eyewear. It can distort your vision and fail to provide necessary ultraviolet protection.

Preparing your vehicle–and yourself–before hitting the road is preventive maintenance. For your safety, and that of your passengers, doing all you can do to "see and be seen" will provide peace of mind.