Auto & Home Newsletter - January 2012

Safe Winter Driving Tips

Lundstrom Insurance advises drivers to prepare themselves for the hazards of winter, the time of year when auto accident claims increase in frequency, according to an analysis of claims incidence at Travelers, a leading provider of auto and homeowners insurance.

Snow storms and icy conditions present a particular set of driving hazards and preparing your vehicle for the winter and knowing how to react in severe conditions or if stranded are the keys to safe winter driving.

We recommend that the following measures be taken to avoid an accident during the cold winter months:

Be prepared before a storm hits:

• Have a mechanic check your car's battery, brakes, fluid levels (antifreeze, windshield washer fluid and oil), as well as the heating and exhaust systems to ensure that your car is in good, safe working condition.
• Try to keep your gas tank full during the winter months.  Don't allow the gas to go below half a tank.  Not only will this prevent damage from freezing, you'll avoid running out of gas if you're stuck in a traffic jam during the dead of winter.
• Install snow tires or all-weather radials with adequate treads.
• An adequate supply of windshield washing liquid is critical to wash away the mud and melted snow that can severely limit visibility.
• Prepare for an emergency.  Keep blankets, flares, a sack of sand for traction, shovel, windshield scraper and brush, tool kit, towrope, booster cables and a flashlight with extra batteries in your trunk.  You should also stock your car with material for survival, such as waterproof matches to melt snow for drinking water, a first aid kit, dry clothing and a brightly colored cloth (to tie to the antenna).

When driving under averse winter conditions:

• Take care pulling out of streets blocked by mountains of snow.  It's often difficult to see who or what is coming.
• Back your car into the driveway so you have better vision when pulling out.
• Be aware of joggers on the street.  Often sidewalks are impassable and die-hard joggers venture onto the street for a clearer path.  Unfortunately, they may not see icy spots or other hazards hidden below the slush.
• When waiting to make a left-hand turn, keep wheels pointed straight ahead.  If wheels are turned to the left in anticipation of the turn and you're rear-ended, your car will be pushed into the path of oncoming traffic, which could result in a head-on collision.