1. Be Prepared: You must be prepared for whatever you could encounter. It may seem excessive, but how many times have you jumped in your vehicle during nice weather and then end up in the middle of a winter blizzard or ice storm? Some things to consider:
· Keep at least a half tank of gas in your vehicle.
· Keep items like flashlights, jumper cables, ice scrapers, and extra windshield fluid.
· Bring a cell phone charger.
· Have a blanket and other winter clothes such as gloves and a hat present in the vehicle.
2. Pre-Trip Inspection: Before beginning your trip, do a quick pre-trip inspection. Check the condition of your tires. Look to see if ice and snow has built up in the wheel wells. Make sure windshield wipers and sprayers are working. Having your vehicle checked before the winter is always a good idea.
3. Slow Down: During winter conditions, it will take longer for your vehicle to come to a stop, and higher speeds create a greater chance of sliding. Slow down to allow more time for you to react to other drivers and to give yourself more control over the vehicle.
4. Extra Space: As mentioned above, it will take longer for your vehicle to come to a complete stop. Give yourself extra space to allow proper reactions to road conditions and other drivers.
5. Hold Steering Wheel Firmly: Built-up snow on the roads and ice can push your vehicle a direction very quickly. Having a firm hand on the wheel will help prevent those situations.
6. Brake and Accelerate Lightly: Feathering the pedals is ideal in winter conditions. Sudden slams on the pedals will result in vehicles sliding out of control. Pump brakes when coming to a stop.
7. Watch for Black Ice: Black Ice is a layer of transparent ice that covers the road in freezing temperatures. When there is ice built up on your vehicle, there is a good chance that it has built up on the roads.
8. Caution When Approaching Bridges: Bridges and other elevated roadways will freeze quicker than normal roadways. Slow down and prepare yourself when coming onto bridges.
9. Mountain Driving Can be Dangerous: Driving on mountains and back roads can be dangerous during inclement weather. Make sure to drive slowly and keep an eye out for all other drivers, especially when approaching turns and corners.
10. Obey all Signs: Just because roads are snow-covered, all road signs and rules still apply.
11. If Stranded, Stay in Vehicle: In these situations, the safest place to be is inside your vehicle. Clear snow away from the exhaust pipe to prevent carbon monoxide buildup. Crack a window for ventilation.
12. If Conditions are Bad, Get Off the Road: Don’t push your luck. If conditions are too bad to drive, then do not attempt to drive. At the end of the day, Mother Nature always wins.
If you want further information regarding the requirements, please contact us at RWR Insurance by visiting our website or replying to this email….and as always you can contact our partners over at The Risk Management Division by dialing 1-833-888-0211 or email dothelpline@keystoneinsgrp.com.
