In our area, we recently woke to our first snow fall of the winter season. Roads can be slick & slippery with snow on the ground, and falling snow or even heavy rain can make it difficult to see.
Safe winter driving requires a balance of preparation & common sense. As we think of the winter months ahead & the possibility of snow, take a look at these winter driving tips:

  1. Winterize your vehicle- It’s a good time to have your anti-freeze & windshield washer fluid checked. While you are at the shop, have your brakes, heater, exhaust & lights tested for safety.
  2. Clear snow & ice from your vehicle- Before driving, take the time to remove ice from your windows, lights & mirrors, snow from your hood & roof for you own safety & the safety of those driving around you.
  3. Slow down- Keep in mind that posted speed limit signs are for dry road conditions & will need to be adjusted for safe driving in hazardous weather
  4. Do NOT use cruise control- if you are driving on a wet road or even a road that appears dry, there could be black ice or a slick spot. If you hit that slick spot with cruise on, an activated cruise control system will cause your vehicle to accelerate & keep up with the wheels spinning. Turn cruise off for safe winter driving.
  5. Prepare a winter emergency kit- It’s a good idea to keep a warm blanket, even some extra winter clothing, water, first aid kits, flashlight & batteries, a shovel, ice scraper & your normal roadside emergency kit in your trunk in case you would get stuck in traffic from another accident or get stuck in heavy snow or your vehicle breaks down.
  6. Use brakes carefully- if your car starts to skid, take your foot off the accelerator & gently turn your car in the direction you want your front wheels to go. Hitting the brakes or turning sharply can lock you into a skid. Anti-lock brakes should not be pumped, rather quickly press them to the floor & steer into the skid.
  7. Wear safety belt- Always wear your safety belt each and every time you enter a vehicle to protect yourself & others.
  8. Allow extra time- Give yourself extra time to get to your destination, whether it is a long travel route or short, extra time will allow you to slow down, have time to think & drive safely
  9. Give way to snow plows & salt trucks- Road clearing will be more successful if the maintenance vehicles have enough room, do your best to allow room for them to work & always stay back from salt trucks.
  10. Consider staying home- If you are uncomfortable when you look at the current weather conditions outside, tend to be a nervous driver or if your trip is not a real necessity, consider the possibility of simply staying home and avoiding driving on the snow/icy roads.

Contact our Personal Lines Sales Reps for more information about safe driving, especially in Winter Weather. Chantelle Kingsbury, ckingsbury@galleninsurance.com 610-898-6531
 

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