New Bedford Car Insurance: Safe Driving on Icy Winter Roads
Even if you have lived in New England for your entire life, it’s always a good idea to get a refresher on winter driving skills. Whether you take a driving course or prefer to read tips online, the more you know can make you a better driver. Borden Insurance Agency in New Bedford has put together a list of winter weather driving tips that you can use to your advantage. Our insurance policies are designed to protect you in a number of ways when you are in an accident. If you would like a FREE auto insurance quote, contact an MA auto insurance agent at our New Bedford office.
Reduce Your Risk of Winter Weather Accidents
The first and most practical tip of all is to just stay home during and after a significant snowstorm. Unless you absolutely have to go out for some reason, it’s best to avoid it altogether. If that doesn’t work, either because you have to get to your job or take kids to school, take care to drive slowly, and adjust your speed. When driving on snow or ice, the traction in your tires will be much less than what you are used to – even during rainy weather. Apply the gas slowly when you take off to give your tires time to gain traction. This approach will help you to avoid skidding out and off the road. It also takes longer to slow down and come to a stop on icy roads, so never punch the brakes. Take your time to slow down as you come to a stop sign or light.
Know your limits. Don’t try to stop or slow down while driving up a hill, or you might just slide back down out of control. On the other hand, don’t hit the gas hard when you go up a hill, or your wheels will just spin, causing you to slide back down again. If you are coming to a light that is changing to yellow and you don’t have time to stop slowly, keep going a make your way carefully through the intersection. Don’t push it into a red light, but if you are at the intersection when it turns yellow, it’s often better to just go through. Learn your brakes – each vehicle is different. If you got a new car or new tires since last season, be careful on your first trip out in the snow until you get used to the performance.
Take Care of Vehicle Maintenance
Sadly, many winter accidents have more to do with improper maintenance of the vehicle than poor driving skills. Check to ensure that your tires are properly inflated, as the cold temperature causes tires to lose pressure. Check the tread of your tires to make sure they will provide you with enough traction. While you might not need snow tires, your all-season tires should at least have sufficient tread to get you through the winter. Windshield wipers should not be worn. Visibility is diminished with old blades. If they are worn, replace them. Be sure to start the winter with a full reservoir of windshield cleaner solution. This is crucial after snow falls, especially on highways where salt spray from behind other vehicles can cloud your windshield – a very dangerous situation. Stay up with your oil changes, and manufacturer recommended maintenance to keep your car running effectively, efficiently, and safely. Motor oil gets thicker in cold weather, so if your oil is already dirty and past its time, you could end up with engine problems when winter hits.
Good habits can help you avoid trouble. Keep at least a half tank of fuel in your vehicle at all times. It’s better to top it off every evening when you come home from work to prevent freezing and condensation inside the tank. While it might seem like a good idea, never warm up your vehicle inside an enclosed area. Shovel the driveway first, open the garage door, pull the vehicle out, and warm it up before leaving to go to work or run errands. Never use cruise control when the roads are icy, snow, wet, or slippery. Create a first-aid and safety kit to keep in your trunk that includes food and water, extra warm clothing, blankets, emergency medications, a snow-and-ice scraper for the windows, and a flashlight.
Prepare for Long Trips
If you have a long commute every day for work or if you are planning a holiday trip to see family and friends, take time to prepare. Perform tire and vehicle inspections immediately before leaving and check the weather several times before you take off on your drive. Make sure your cell phone is fully charged and consider bringing a backup battery charger with you in case of emergency. Let others know your route in case something happens to you and you don’t arrive at your destination. Dress appropriately in layers and bring a coat along with you to use if necessary. Studies show that puffy coats can hinder the ability of a seat belt to protect a person in an accident, so use the heater and keep that coat on the seat next to you for outdoor use.
Call Your MA Auto Insurance Agent
Make sure to have all of your insurance documents and contact information handy to reach Borden Insurance Agency in New Bedford if you are in an accident. As your local New Bedford car insurance provider, you are our top priority. We can help you file a claim and get back on the road again as soon as possible. Contact our team by calling 508-999-3636 to get a FREE auto insurance quote or to go over your current policy with our agency.