Winter weather conditions cause lots auto accidents every year, but they primarily affect those who don’t take the proper precautions. If your insurance broker doesn’t already provide his or her clients with tips for winter driving, then you can use the following information to help you stay safe in freezing, slippery conditions.
Slow Down!
Insurance brokers see a lot of accident reports. It quickly becomes obvious that one of the major causes of accidents during winter is speeding up and slowing down too quickly. Slowing down will help you maintain control over your vehicle in icy conditions. Plan ahead for your day so that you’re not tempted to rush.
You should also avoid using cruise control when driving on slippery surfaces to help you maintain as much control as possible.
Remember that it’s important for you to take it slow when you apply your brakes as well. Even antilock brakes can’t help you stop on a dime when there is ice and snow on the ground.
Keep Your Tires Properly Inflated
Your tires are designed to function while properly inflated. Low pressure can make it difficult for you to maintain control of the car. Remember that cold weather will cause the air inside your TIRES to “shrink,” so you need to pay closer attention to them during the winter. Your tires should have information printed on them telling you what pressure to use. Follow those directions and you will improve your safety on the road.
Replace Your Windshield Wipers
You should check your wipers at the beginning of winter to make sure that they clean your windshield well. Old windshield wipers won’t perform as well as new ones, which means you could find yourself driving blind on slipper surfaces.
Keep Your Car Clean
Make sure that you clean all ice and snow off of your car before you drive it. Resist the temptation to just brush off the windshield. It’s cold outside, but you need to take the extra time to make sure that you get all of the snow off your car. If you don’t, then the snow clinging to your hood or roof can slide onto the windshield while you’re driving.
Prepare for an Emergency
You can’t control the weather, but you can prepare for it. Keep an emergency kit in your car that will help you stay safe in the event that you have an accident while driving in the winter. Your roadside emergency kit should include
• flares to alert other drivers to take caution
• an LED flashlight
• a basic toolset that will help you solve small problems on your own
• jumper cables
• tire pressure gauge
Some insurance companies and auto clubs have roadside emergency kits at discounted prices. Contact your insurance broker to find out if your provider offers any deals.
Always Wear Your Seatbelt
It’s impossible to overstate the importance of wearing a seatbelt every time that you get into your vehicle. This is especially true in winter. Insurance brokers know that perfect drivers have accidents too. Anyone can get into an accident, so protect yourself by wearing a seatbelt and making sure that all of your passengers wear theirs as well.
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