Winter transforms landscapes into snowy wonderlands, but it also brings the challenge of icy and snowy roads, making driving perilous. Proper preparation and knowledge are crucial for safe winter driving. Here’s what you need to know to navigate winter roads safely.
Prepare Your Vehicle for Winter
Preventive Measures: Before the mercury dips, ensure your vehicle is ready for winter's harsh conditions.
Contact us for all of your insurance needs. Fill out the Quick Contact form above, or visit our Locations page to contact the Peoples Insurance nearest to you.
- Emergency Kit: Equip your car with winter-specific items such as warm clothes, blankets, a first aid kit, a cell phone charger, water, a flashlight, and a snow shovel.
- Fuel and Fluids: Keep your gas tank full to avoid ice in the tank and fuel lines. Check and top off antifreeze and cold-resistant wiper fluid. Inspect your wiper blades to ensure they can handle heavy snow and ice.
Vehicle Maintenance: Winterize Your Car
Ensure Your Vehicle is in Peak Condition:
- Battery Check: Winter conditions can be harsh on your car's battery. Have it tested by a professional to ensure it holds a charge and replace it if necessary.
- Tire Inspection: Switch to winter tires that offer better traction on snow and ice. Also, check tire pressure regularly, as it tends to drop in colder temperatures.
- Heating System: Verify that your vehicle's heating system is working efficiently. This is crucial not only for your comfort but also for defrosting windshields and windows to maintain visibility.
Before You Hit the Road
Planning and Preparation: Safety starts before you leave the driveway.
- Visibility: Remove snow and ice from your windshield, external cameras, and side mirrors. Clear any snow that covers vehicle sensors to ensure they function properly.
- Vehicle Warm-Up: Start your vehicle and let it warm up to ensure the engine and heat are operating effectively—never in an enclosed space.
- Weather Check: Always check the current and forecasted weather conditions. Delay your travel if severe weather is expected.
Driving Techniques for Winter Weather
Adapt Your Driving: Modify your driving habits to accommodate winter road conditions.
- Speed and Control: Avoid using cruise control on slippery surfaces. Reduce your speed to maintain control of your vehicle.
- Skid Management: If you skid, steer in the direction of the skid to avoid overcorrecting.
- Acceleration and Deceleration: Apply the gas slowly to regain traction and avoid skids. Decelerate slowly to prevent a sudden loss of grip.
- Following Distance: Increase your following distance significantly to ensure you have ample time to stop safely.
If You Get Stuck
Stay Safe and Visible: If your vehicle gets stuck in the snow, stay inside.
- Shelter and Visibility: Your vehicle offers shelter and warmth. Ensure your vehicle remains visible to passersby and rescue personnel.
- Exercise Caution: If you attempt to dig out your vehicle, avoid overexertion. Take breaks and listen to your body to prevent fatigue.
Winter Driving Courses: Enhance Your Skills
Develop Confidence and Control:
- Hands-On Training: Enroll in a winter driving course to learn critical skills such as skid control, proper braking on ice, and maneuvering safely on slippery roads.
- Professional Instructors: Gain insights from experienced instructors who can provide personalized feedback and techniques to improve your winter driving.
- Safety First: These courses emphasize safety and preparedness, equipping you with the knowledge to handle unexpected winter driving conditions confidently.
Peoples Insurance is here to help!
Driving during the winter can be a hassle, but it is also necessary at times. When going out during the winter, be prepared for any event that could occur. Remember that the best option for traveling when the roads are bad is to not travel at all.
Peoples Insurance makes it easy to find the coverage you need at rates you can afford. As an independent agency, we offer competitively-priced auto insurance through a number of dependable companies. Obtain additional savings when you package your home insurance and auto insurance policies.
Contact us for all of your insurance needs. Fill out the Quick Contact form above, or visit our Locations page to contact the Peoples Insurance nearest to you.
Stay safe this winter!