Helpful Hints for Winter Driving

Winter can be a fun time with the holidays, no school, hot chocolate, and snowball fights, but it can also be a dangerous time on the road.

Deer claims are especially high around October to December due to the fact that it is the deer migration and mating season, around 1.23 million vehicle-deer collisions occurred in the U.S. between July 1, 2011 and June 30, 2012 (Iowa Agent Newsletter).

 But it’s not only deer that we need to watch out for; it’s snow, ice, and cold weather.

The Washington State Department of Transportation website has several tips on how to keep you safe this winter:

• Drive for conditions -- slower speeds, slower acceleration
• Use your headlights
• Don't use cruise control
• Remember that four-wheel and all-wheel vehicles don't stop or steer better on ice; be careful!
• Leave extra room between your vehicle and the vehicle in front of you. Remember, the larger the vehicle, the longer the stopping distance
• Slow down when approaching intersections, off ramps, bridges or shady spots
• If you find yourself behind a snowplow, stay behind it until it's safe to pass. Remember a snowplow driver has a limited field of vision. Stay back (15 car lengths) until you're sure it's safe to pass or until the plow pulls off the road
• On multi-lane roadways, snow plows often need to clear the center, throwing snow, ice and slush into nearby lanes. If approaching an oncoming snow plow, slow down and give the plow a little extra room
• Check your tires and tire pressure during cold weather (tire shops and mechanics are busiest just before and during winter storms)
• Get a vehicle winter maintenance check-up. Check your battery, belts, hoses, radiator, lights, brakes, heater/defroster and wipers
• Keep your fuel tank full; don't let it fall below half a tank on winter trips

During the winter it pays to have a survival kit in your car in case the unthinkable happens. One of our insurance companies, State Auto, has a list of what to keep in your car during the winter months:

1.      Full tank of gas

2.      First aid kit

3.      Cell phone charger

4.      Flashlight

5.      Water/snacks

6.      Ice scraper/snowbrush

7.      Boots/gloves/warm clothes

8.      Music/games

9.      Jumper cables

10.  Flares

11.  Tire chains