Stay Safe With These Winter Driving Tips

According to the Department of Transportation’s Federal Highway Administration, 24% of vehicle accidents related to weather conditions happen on snowy, slushy, or icy roads. Fifteen percent happen while it is snowing or in falling sleet. 

To help reduce those chances, here are some winter driving tips to keep you and your family safe.

Before You Hit the Road

As the outdoor temperature drops during the winter, so does the air pressure in your car’s tires. 

• Check your tires to make sure they are at the pressure recommended by the manufacturer which you can find in the owner’s manual or the label on the driver’s side door frame. (The number on the tire itself is the maximum pressure and not the recommended pressure). 
• Check the tire’s age, treads, and any damage, and decide if the tires need to be replaced.
• Make sure your windshield and rear window defrosters are in proper working condition and that your windshield wipers are clean.
• If it has snowed since your last drive, make sure to clear your car of any snow or ice covering it. Check the roof, front and back windshield, headlights and brake lights, and door handles.

While Your Driving (the Basics)

Snowy and icy roads mean unexpected situations can happen faster and with less time and control for correction.

• Drive slowly and smoothly. Stay mindful of the steering wheel, accelerator, and brake. Quick turns, acceleration, and stops can unstick the tires from icy roads and start your car sliding out of control. 
• Observe road conditions. See if you can tell if the snow covering the road is soft or solid, if there is ice underneath, or if what looks like a clear road is actually covered with black ice.
• Look further down the road ahead of you and add distance between you and other vehicles. This will give you more time to respond with greater control if another vehicle makes a sudden turn, stop, or begins to slide on an ice patch.
• Be careful around snow plows and trucks. These large vehicles move slowly, make wide turns, and make several stops. They also drive across lanes and can create waves of slush and snow that can suddenly block your view.
• Be extra careful when driving over ramps, bridges, and roads that are mostly in the shade. Ice forms quicker there than on other road surfaces.

By following these tips, you can reduce your chances of having an accident but nothing is guaranteed.

Sign Up for IAM Roadside Assistance Protection

Having a car breakdown at any time is unfortunate; but in the winter when it could be snowing, and the heat in your car stops working, it can be dangerous. Having roadside assistance you can count on is a matter of safety and peace of mind. 

As a member, you have access to road side assistance as part of your Union Plan. To activate this protection and learn more about the benefit, tap below.