Grab your coat, hat and mittens, the winter weather is approaching. Every year, more than 200,000 wrecks and over 58,000 injuries occur around this time, according to the Federal Highway Administration. And while its best to stay off the roads in hazardous weather, sometimes you just cant avoid driving in the snow.
If you must go out during a blizzard, make sure to follow these tips to help you arrive at your destination safely
1. Take It Slow
When driving on icy, snow packed roads, you need to take everything slow. This includes accelerating, stopping and turning. Remember speed limits are based on normal driving conditions, not hazardous weather. You shouldnt be driving 70 mph on the interstate when its snowing.
2. Brake Gently
When stopping your vehicle on frozen roads, brake soon and gently. If you wait until the last minute to slam your foot on the breaks, its unlikely your car will stop in time. Make sure you are covered in case of a wreck by getting collision insurance. Royce Williams agency can help..
3. Maintain a Full Tank of Gas
Keep your gas tank close to full when the weather is cold. Why? Because cars are heavier when filled with gas. So instead of testing out how far you can go without filling up, head on over to the pump and fill your tank.
4. Keep Your Distance
Its not uncommon to find cars driving closely behind the vehicle in front of them, but this can be incredibly dangerous. its best to keep your distance, especially in icy conditions. Think about it. If you are tailing the car in front of you and they stop quickly, swerve or crash, do you believe you will be able to stop in time to prevent a wreck? Probably not.
5. Don’t Pass Snow Plows
Even though snowplows can be irritatingly slow, you shouldn’t pass them. For one, they may not see you and switch lanes while you are passing. And two, the road conditions in front of that snowplow are probably much worse than what you are currently experiencing.
6. Turn Your Lights On
This should go without saying, but you need to switch on your headlights in snowy weather. This not only enables you to see clearly, but it also makes it easier for other cars to see you.
7. Refrain From Using Cruise Control
For many people, cruise control has become second nature because it reduces leg fatigue, keeps you from speeding, and is wonderful on long trips. But in the snow, its best to keep it off. If your car hydroplanes or skids on cruise control, the wheels will spin quickly, making you lose control of your vehicle.
8. Keep Basic Supplies in the Car Incase of an Emergency
When driving through a winter storm, there is always a chance your car could get stuck in the snow, leaving you stranded until help arrives. Be prepared by keeping these items in your car: blanket, snow shovel, bottle of water, snack bars, hand warmers, whistle, flashlight.
9. Keep Your Windshield and Lights Clean
Clean off your windows and lights to make it easier to see on the roads. While youre at it, you may also want to think about replacing your windshield wipers and checking your anti-freeze fluid. If you cant remember the last time you got new windshield wipers, its probably time to get some new ones.
10. Use Caution on Bridges, Overpasses and Infrequently Traveled Roads
When traveling over bridges, overpasses or roads that dont receive much traffic, be extra cautious. These areas are usually the first to freeze and likely have several icy spots.
11. Pay Attention
The most important thing you can do when driving on snow packed roads is to pay attention. Keep your eyes on the road and dont let yourse
lf be distracted by the radio, other passengers, your phone, or anything else. Just focus on getting to where you are going.
Make Sure Your Car is Protected When Driving in the Snow
As prepared as you are to face the winter weather, you never know what may happen. Thats why you need to equip yourself with an auto insurance policy that will cover you in the instance of an emergency.
Royce Williams Agency offers affordable car insurance with quality coverage, give us a call today at (615) 356-4800 to learn more.
