It’s best to avoid driving in winter weather conditions if we can. But,
sometimes, we don’t have a choice. Follow these tips to maximize your safety
when driving this winter:
1. Leave early. Allow yourself extra time to get to your destination. Other
drivers will drive slower than usual and you should, too. And, remember: it is
better to be late than risk causing an accident by driving too quickly in the
snow.
2. Keep your lights on. Even during the day, keep your lights on so other
drivers can see the front and rear of your vehicle. Additionally, try to
maintain a distance of at least three car lengths between you and the car
in front of you, so if you see brake lights turn on, you’ll have space to slow
down to avoid sliding into the car in front of you.
3. Install snow tires. Invest in snow tires that will increase your traction when
you’re driving. All season tires are safe if you’re not traveling far, but for
longer trips and higher speeds, it’s safer to have snow tires instead.
4. Don’t pass plows. If you pass a plow, you could be driving into unsafe
territory that hasn’t been cleared of ice and snow yet. It is common for
motorists to rear end plows. You can avoid this by driving slowly and by
keeping your distance. Stay at least five car lengths behind a plow when you are
driving behind it. Otherwise, the plow operator might not be able to see you.
5. Don’t use cruise control. Don’t engage cruise control when driving in the snow.
It’s critical that you have control of your vehicle to remain at a slower speed, to
slow down steadily if needed, and to control how close you are driving to
other motorists.
6. Save our number in your phone. If an accident occurs, call emergency services
first, and then find our number in your contacts and give us a call. And, talk to
us ahead of time. We can make sure that you have the optimal coverage to protect
you, your family and your vehicle if a winter-related accident occurs.