Winter weather brings hazardous conditions to the roads. Driving in the winter time can cause some anxiousness, and rightfully so! Weather-related car accidents are responsible for more deaths in the US than large-scale weather disasters like hurricanes, tornadoes and flooding (The Weather Channel, 2022). This fact isn’t meant to scare you, it just paints a picture of how safe you need to be when driving this time of year. With a few key pointers you’ll be handling the roads like a pro! Check out our tips for driving in winter weather:
The number one safety tip for driving in the winer is pretty simple, just travel less! When you reduce your amount of time on the road, you reduce the risk of something bad happening. It isn’t rocket science! Maybe switch to two grocery store trips a month instead of four, or watch the game at home instead of the pub! Making conscious decisions to limit your traveling is the best way to avoid a weather-related accident.
As the temperature drops, so does your tire pressure. Making sure your tires are filled to the proper psi can help to avoid skidding out and losing traction while navigating harsh conditions. This is often overlooked by drivers, but really makes a difference!
Switching to winter or all-season tires also will benefit you a lot in the cold months. These types of tires are more flexible and will grip the road much better. Their deep tread allows for more surface area, letting snow, ice and salt escape more easily. It’s always smart to get the right set for your make and model.
People often overlook replacing their windshield wiper blades until it is too late. The blades grow weak and dull overtime, and can break off when conditions get cold. Last winter, I personally had my left wiper blade get stuck to my windshield during a storm. When I tried to activate my blades and clear the snow from my windshield, it tore right off. I had to then drive it to my mechanic in the middle of a snow storm, risking my own safety and the safety of others. Not smart! If I had just replaced my blades prior to winter, I would have avoided that dangerous situation entirely.
In the winter time, it’s best practice to increase your following distance from other cars while on the road. In icy, snowy conditions, the roads can become much more unpredictable. Giving yourself extra room from other drivers will help to avoid accidents. A good rule of thumb is to stay at least 3-4 car lengths behind the next car.
Even if you think your brakes are in good shape, it’s always safe to have a brake inspection done. Throughout the year, your brakes go through a lot of abuse and can wear down. Make sure they are in good shape before the ice and snow arrives!
Winter weather brings increased risk of accidents, and it’s always smart to review your insurance policies before anything unfortunate happens. It’s better to have a comprehensive policy in place just in case you end up in a crash, and you’d be surprised at how often people are under-covered! If you’re unsure of what to look for in your policies, just fill out our complimentary review form and our agents will handle everything for you!
Be prepared and stay safe! With these winter driving tips, you’ll be much more equipped to handle the harsh conditions to come.
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Meet Alec Toth, the newest member of our team here at TFG Home & Auto! Alec is a Sales Representative, responsible for reviewing home, auto, umbrella, recreational vehicle and landlord policies.
SHARE THIS POST Winter weather brings hazardous conditions to the roads. Driving in the winter time can cause some anxiousness, and rightfully so! Weather-related car accidents are responsible for more deaths in the US than large-scale weather disasters like hurricanes,
Meet Alec Toth, the newest member of our team here at TFG Home & Auto! Alec is a Sales Representative, responsible for reviewing home, auto, umbrella, recreational vehicle and landlord policies.
SHARE THIS POST As a homeowner, you are aware of the many threats harsh winter weather brings. The severe conditions can cause a lot of damage to your home if you aren’t careful, and that’s why we are here to
