It’s that time of the year again; the days are getting shorter, the holidays are coming, and driving is more challenging due to cold and ice. We are publishing our top 8 safety tips to help keep you and your family of drivers safe this winter:
Tip 1: When cleaning your windshield of ice in the mornings, please make sure you clear off your backup and side view cameras as well. These cameras are important to keep clear for safe driving and parking.
Tip 2: If you have a gas-powered vehicle, make sure its antifreeze is full and fresh. Antifreeze should be replaced every 30,000 miles. In a cold snap, antifreeze that is fresh and full will help keep your engine running.
Tip 3: Snow tires or fresh tires are useful in areas that get ANY amount of snow. It’s a misperception that snow tires are only for high-snow volume areas. Drivers in low snow states that are not used to driving in snow experience huge benefits from snow tire traction.
Tip 4: Make sure your tires are NOT overinflated. If tires are overinflated, their traction is reduced. Proper inflation is important for keeping the car driving correctly in any weather conditions.
Tip 5: Windshield washer fluid should be full and checked frequently. As the roads get icy, they also get coated with brine and sand and salt pellets. These road treatments can accumulate on your windshield, making it very difficult to see, particularly on very sunny days. Windshield washer fluid is used frequently in these conditions and can run out.
Tip 6: Don’t use cruise control when it’s icy out. Cruise control does not allow the quick response time needed if your tires lose contact with the road. If it’s icy out, drive slowly and carefully, and if possible… just stay home!
Tip 7: Carry a winter emergency kit geared toward snowy weather. This isn’t your ordinary kit – keep a bag of sand, a bag of salt, a shovel and a very warm blanket in your car during the winter. The sand and salt help you get out of a slippery spot, and the blanket is for you in case the salt and sand aren’t enough to get your car back on the road.
Tip 8: Make sure your roadside assistance plan is current. If you get stranded by ice and snow, you will need someone to help you quickly. Roadside assistance is an excellent failsafe in case of a disabled vehicle.
DII is your partner in driver safety for you and all the family members on your policy. If you have any questions about vehicle safety for winter, or how to prevent accidents, please contact your DII representative.
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