5 Winter Driving Tips

After a rain storm last weekend, an employee of Insurance Services of America was in an auto accident. We are grateful she didn’t suffer any major injuries, but it reminded me of how important it is to be more aware of inclement weather and driving conditions during the winter season.

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), approximately 1,440,000 vehicle crashes each year are weather-related. About 40% of the weather related crashes are related to winter driving conditions.

Weather-related crashes are defined as those that occur in adverse weather (i.e., rain, sleet, snow, and/or fog) or on slick pavement (i.e., wet pavement, snowy/slushy pavement, or icy pavement). Over 70 percent of the nation’s roads are located in snowy regions, which receive more than five inches average snowfall annually.  Here are 5 reminders for safe winter driving:

1. Slow down; this is common sense. Leave early and allow extra time to reach your destination. Stopping, turning, accelerating – practically every driving function takes longer on ice and snow-covered roads. Leave a minimum of a 4 second gap between you and the car in front of you.  You can determine how close by counting after the car in front of you passes a fixed object,  you should be able to count to at least 4 before your car passes the same fixed object. Remember the car behind you might not be as cautious as you, so you might have to leave even more space in order to remain at a safe distance.
2. Check your car. Replace your tires with all season or snow tires which have deeper and more aggressive tread. If ice is bad and you have to drive, then buy a set of chains and learn how to properly install them. Have your car checked by a mechanic for brakes, battery, anti-freeze, belts and windshield wipers.
3. Remove snow not just the front windshield but from the hood, top of the car, lights and the rear of the car. You want to make sure you have full visibility.
4. Use caution on bridges and overpasses; ice quickly forms on bridges and overpasses and can look clear or like “black ice.”
5. Don’t drive! If the weather outside is frightful, then stay home. Be attentive to your local weather and check the news.  There are plenty of apps for your iPhone, Android, Ipad and tablets and most are free. Check out a couple online at http://appadvice.com/appguides/show/best-traffic-apps

A recent tragic story reported an elderly couple traveling from Arizona to New Mexico got their car stranded on a forest road and at the same time a winter storm brought snow and cold temperatures. The elderly woman lost her life and her spouse survived but was hospitalized. The American Automobile Association (AAA) advises that if you become stuck, stay with your vehicle.  AAA also advises to keep a winter first aid kit which should include:

• A cell phone
• Flashlight
• Small snow shovel and brush
• Traction mats
• Ice scraper
• Battery booster cables
• Warm blanket
• Flares/triangle warning devices
• Heavy gloves
• Windshield washer fluid
• First aid kit
• Bottled water
• Energy bars

Insurance Services of America wishes you a safe holiday no matter if you are driving or flying or if your friends and relatives are visiting you.