National Press Release

HILLSBORO, N.H., Nov. 13 /PRNewswire/ -- As the days get shorter at the end of Daylight Saving Time and winter weather creates poor driving conditions, improved visibility on the road is an important factor to enhance driver safety.

Poor visibility, especially at night, is a serious driving hazard. According to the Motor Vehicle Lighting Council, poor visibility is cited as a factor in an estimated 2.8 million accidents, 23,000 fatal crashes and 2,300 pedestrian deaths every year in the United States. OSRAM SYLVANIA, the world leader in automotive lighting solutions, offers a variety of automotive headlights that provide better peripheral vision and viewing of the road ahead.

"Preparing your vehicle for winter is critical for safe driving throughout the season," said Denise Champagne, marketing manager, OSRAM SYLVANIA. "It's important to make sure headlights are a part of seasonal maintenance."

For drivers of any age, follow these tips to help maintain safety and improve visibility on the road this winter:

-- "Winterize" your vehicle. Change the engine lubricant to synthetic oil, change to winter wiper blades, flush your cooling system with fresh coolant/antifreeze, fill the washer fluid reservoir with de-icer washer fluid and carry an emergency safety kit.

-- Drive with your lights on. If daytime visibility is limited, turn on your headlights to be seen by other drivers. When traveling in snowy weather, remember to brush off your taillights, turn signals and headlamps.

-- Change headlights in pairs before they burn out. Most headlights dim up to 20 percent over time so evaluate yours every year for optimum performance. The end of daylight savings time is a perfect yearly reminder.

-- Upgrade to high performance halogen lighting. SYLVANIA SilverStar(R) ULTRA bulbs are up to 50 percent brighter and increase downroad visibility by up to 40 percent when compared to worn standard bulbs. Studies have shown that whiter, brighter halogen lighting can improve reaction time, increase nighttime visibility and provide better roadside viewing.

-- Check headlight alignment. Misaligned headlights can be distracting and dangerous. Ask your auto service technician to align them for you.

-- Clean headlight lenses regularly. Wash headlight lenses when you wash your windshield. You'll see better at night and in poor weather conditions.

-- Make sure all vehicle lights are working. Have a friend turn on your headlights and signal lights while you walk around the outside of your vehicle.

-- Check your tire pressure regularly. Whether you park inside or outside, you will lose a pound of tire pressure for every 10 degrees of outside temperature change.

-- Adjust your speed. By decreasing your speed you allow yourself more time to respond in bad weather.

-- Brake carefully. When roads are slippery, brake in a straight line before a curve in the road. Lift your foot from the brake before you steer into a corner. This allows you to steer and not slide through the corner. Don't accelerate away from the corner until the steering wheel is again straight.

For more tips and information, visit your local automotive retailer or www.sylvania.com/auto.

About OSRAM SYLVANIA Automotive Lighting

OSRAM SYLVANIA, together with OSRAM GmbH, is the world leader in automotive lighting for original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) and the aftermarket. The company's global automotive lighting division has its principal North American operations in Hillsboro, N.H., with nearly 700 employees. In addition to TS 16949, this facility has also achieved ISO 9001 and 14001 certifications. Automotive Lighting designs, develops, manufactures and markets state-of-the-art automotive light sources, including auxiliary, advanced halogen, LED and high-intensity discharge lighting for interior, exterior and forward lighting applications. More than 400 lamp types are produced for cars, trucks, and electronics in facilities throughout the U.S., Europe, and Asia. Automotive applications for OEMs are marketed under the OSRAM brand while products for the aftermarket are sold under the SYLVANIA brand. For more information, visit www.sylvania.com/auto.

More information on headlight safety, maintenance and a review of SYLVANIA SilverStar(R) Ultra is available in Lauren Fix's Guide to Loving Your Car: Everything You Need to Know to Take Charge of Your Car and Get On with Your Life by Lauren Fix, the Car Coach(R), America's award-winning automotive expert. The book is available at major book retailers and online booksellers.

About OSRAM SYLVANIA

OSRAM SYLVANIA is a leader in lighting solutions and specialty products that feature innovative design and energy saving technology. The company sells products for homes, businesses and vehicles primarily under the SYLVANIA brand name, and also under the OSRAM brand. Headquartered in Danvers, Mass., OSRAM SYLVANIA is the North American operation of OSRAM GmbH, a wholly owned subsidiary of Siemens AG. For more information, visit www.sylvania.com.

SOURCE OSRAM SYLVANIA