Snow and ice are back on the roads, here are some tips on how to stay safe during these winter months. Especially with your younger drivers, it would be a good idea to go over this list with them.
With the right preparations and precautions, you can make your trip safer for both you and other motorists, maybe even save someone’s life in the event of an emergency.
The Three P’s of Safe Winter Driving:
- PREPARE for the trip
- PROTECT yourself
- PREVENT crashes on the road
- PREPARE
Maintain Your Car:
- Check tire tread !!! Very important
- Check battery
- Check windshield wipers
- Keep your windows clean and clear
- Put no-freeze fluid in the washer reservoir
- Check your antifreeze
Have on hand:
- Flashlight
- Jumper cables
- Abrasive material (sand, kitty litter, even floor mats) to add traction to drive wheels
- Shovel
- Snow brush and ice scraper
- Warning devices (like flares) and blankets
- For long trips, add food and water
- For short trips: emergency snack!
- Medication and cell phone
Stopped or stalled? Stay with your car, don’t overexert, put on your hazards, or turn your dome light on (Preserve your battery.)
If you run your car, clear the exhaust pipe of snow and run it just long enough to stay warm (preserve fuel.)
Plan Your Route:
- Allow plenty of time (check the weather and leave early if necessary)
- be familiar with the maps/ directions
- let others know your route and arrival time
Practice Cold Weather Driving!
- During daylight in an empty lot, rehearse maneuvering slowly on the ice or snow, practice steering into a skid
- Know what your brakes will do: stomp on antilock brakes, pump non-antilock brakes
- Stopping distances are longer on water-covered ice and ice
- Do Not idle for a long time with the windows up or in an enclosed space
PROTECT YOURSELF
- Buckle up and use child safety seats properly
- Never place a rear-facing infant seat in front of an airbag
- Children 12 and under are much safer in the back seat
PREVENT CRASHES
- Drugs and alcohol never mix with driving
- Slow down and increase distances between cars
- Keep your eyes open for pedestrians walking in the road
- Avoid fatigue – Get plenty of rest before the trip, stop at least every three hours, get out and stretch your legs, get the blood flowing.
- Rotate drivers if possible.
It is important to get the coverage you need. Call Brick Insurance Group to get an auto quote today. We will help get you a quote at a rate competitive with anyone else in the field, and we will be able to explain to you what coverages you’re getting.
See our list of insurance companies on our Service Center Page.