Winter-weather driving can be very dangerous if you aren’t prepared. Here are some important safety precautions to help make sure that you and your vehicle are ready to take on the winter weather.
Be prepared:
- Check your tires for proper inflation and tread depth, and make sure they are rated for winter conditions. Consider purchasing snow tires.
- Check your wiper blades and top off your windshield washer fluid.
- Keep your gas tank full. You’ll avoid running out of gas on a cold night and sometimes cars with low fuel levels are harder to start because of condensation in the tank.
- Have your mechanic perform a tune-up to prevent a midwinter breakdown.
- If your vehicle is rear wheel drive, place a few bags of sand or rock salt (100+ pounds) in the trunk to improve traction in snow. This can also be used as grit in case your vehicle gets stuck.
- Prepare an emergency kit to keep in your vehicle. Some things to include: a cell phone and charger, blankets, flashlights with batteries, flares, pocket knife, non-perishable food, bottled water, shovel, windshield scraper and brush, first aid kit, basic tool kit, road map and compass, tow rope, jumper cables.
Your car is prepared. Now what?
Follow these simple tips when getting on the road:
- Monitor weather reports. Plan your best route and allow more travel time to your destination.
- Approach intersections with extreme caution even if you have a green light. Apply brakes gently to avoid sliding.
- Turn on your lights when driving, even during the day as winter daylight can be dim.
We hope that these driving safety tips help prepare you for safe travels this winter.
PS: If you’re in the market for a new car, check out the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety’s Top Safety Picks.
