Our Advice for Safe Winter Driving
From the slippery ice to the darker nights, winter roads can be quite dangerous. It is smart to know how to drive safely throughout the winter to prevent avoidable accidents that could ruin your holiday and bring a bad ending to 2018.
There are times when accidents are not avoidable, which is why it is in your best interest to secure Car Insurance. However, many of them can be prevented with some knowledge and careful driving. Here are some basic tips to keep you safe when the roads aren’t.
Be Prepared
Batteries weaken in the cold. After three winters, yours might need replacing. Turn on the headlights, then start the engine. If the lights brighten when the engine is running, your battery’s weak. Make sure windshield washer fluid and engine antifreeze levels are full.
Winter items to have on hand includes:
- Battery jumper cables
- Snow brush/ice scraper
- Cat litter or sand (put under slipping wheels if you’re stuck)
- Small shovel
- Flashlight
- Extra batteries
- Phone charger
- Drinking water and snacks
Keep plenty of fuel in the tank in case you must run the engine to stay warm during delays.
Maintain Proper Vision
Clean the inside and outside of the windshield and rear window. Defrost and deice the windshield before you drive. Wipe snow and slush off your headlights.
Keep your brake lights and turn signals free of snow. Use your headlights in daytime to make your vehicle stand out. Consider having reflective triangles put put around your car and wearing a reflective vest if you get stuck and need to exit the car for help.
Go Gently
Trying to start too quickly, even with all-wheel drive or traction control, can leave you stuck in place. Abruptly changing speeds may cause the tires to slip and spin.
Your vehicle probably has antilock brakes, keeping the wheels from skidding under hard braking. That allows steering control while stopping. Take advantage of this when sliding toward an object; stay pressing hard on the pedal despite vibrations or kickback and steer around the danger.
If the back end of the car or truck begins to slide sideways on a slippery surface, turn the steering wheel the same direction as the back end is moving. Otherwise you’ll turn the skid into a spin. Anti Skid control is typical on most cars, it helps, but it can’t prevent all slick-road skids. Skidding is a very common issue that leads to terrible accidents.
Have Heat
Make sure you have plenty of blankets in your car in case you become stranded. If you must keep the engine running to stay warm, open a couple of windows just a little from time to time. This is needed for fresh air circulation in case there’s an exhaust-system leak, or possibly poison, that could seep into the car’s interior.
About Daniels Insurance, Inc.
At Daniels Insurance, Inc., we have a unique understanding of the risks that businesses like yours face on a regular basis. With the backing of our comprehensive coverages and our dedication to customer service and quick claims resolution, your business will be fully protected. For more information, contact us today at (855) 565-7616.