Driving in the winter can be scary and hazardous. The snowy and icy roadway conditions increase the likelihood that you could possibly get stuck on the road or get involved in an accident. A University of Iowa study found that crash rates can increase up to 84 percent in winter weather conditions.
Staying safe while driving in snowy conditions begins before you get into your vehicle. Being prepared is an easy step that you can take to reduce the risk of possible worst-case scenarios. Sagamore Insurance Company has collected some tips to help you stay safe while driving this winter.
Staying safe while driving in snowy conditions begins before you get into your vehicle. Being prepared is an easy step that you can take to reduce the risk of possible worst-case scenarios. Sagamore Insurance Company has collected some tips to help you stay safe while driving this winter.
Maintain Your Vehicle
While you always want to make sure your car is properly maintained, it's extremely important to make sure you check some of your car's components before winter. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) recommends that you check the following areas on your vehicle:
• Battery
• Tire tread
• Windshield wipers
• Anti-freeze
• No-freeze fluid for the washer reservoir
Plan For Your Route And Possible Route Alternatives
Knowing your route in advance will obviously help you get to your intended destination, but in snowy conditions, some roads may be closed or blocked. Researching alternative routes will allow you to have a backup plan in case you can't use your initial route.
Be Prepared To Slow Down And Increase Following And Stopping Distance
It's difficult to control and stop a vehicle on slick roadways. By slowing down and increasing your following and stopping distances, you can help to avoid collisions by giving yourself time to stop for the cars and trucks ahead of you.
Have Supplies To Help You In Case You Get Stuck
You should stock your vehicle with a variety of supplies to help you in the event you get stuck or stalled during hazardous conditions. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration recommends that you keep the following items in your vehicle:
• Snow shovel, broom and ice scraper
• Sand, kitty litter or another abrasive material just in case your vehicle gets stuck in the snow
• Jumper cables, flashlight and warning devices such as flares and markers
• Blankets to keep warm
• A cell phone with charger
• Water, food and any necessary medicine
Taking these steps can help reduce your risk of getting into an accident or stranded on the road.
While you always want to make sure your car is properly maintained, it's extremely important to make sure you check some of your car's components before winter. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) recommends that you check the following areas on your vehicle:
• Battery
• Tire tread
• Windshield wipers
• Anti-freeze
• No-freeze fluid for the washer reservoir
Plan For Your Route And Possible Route Alternatives
Knowing your route in advance will obviously help you get to your intended destination, but in snowy conditions, some roads may be closed or blocked. Researching alternative routes will allow you to have a backup plan in case you can't use your initial route.
Be Prepared To Slow Down And Increase Following And Stopping Distance
It's difficult to control and stop a vehicle on slick roadways. By slowing down and increasing your following and stopping distances, you can help to avoid collisions by giving yourself time to stop for the cars and trucks ahead of you.
Have Supplies To Help You In Case You Get Stuck
You should stock your vehicle with a variety of supplies to help you in the event you get stuck or stalled during hazardous conditions. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration recommends that you keep the following items in your vehicle:
• Snow shovel, broom and ice scraper
• Sand, kitty litter or another abrasive material just in case your vehicle gets stuck in the snow
• Jumper cables, flashlight and warning devices such as flares and markers
• Blankets to keep warm
• A cell phone with charger
• Water, food and any necessary medicine
Taking these steps can help reduce your risk of getting into an accident or stranded on the road.
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