Winter Driving Tips & Accident Reporting

Winter driving is back on the planner! After a year of isolated or socially distanced gatherings, we anticipate more people taking to the road and skies this winter season. But wintry weather and extensive driving time can lead to safety hazards. Here are four winter driving safety tips to know before you hit the road.

1. Have your car inspected or serviced, and keep an emergency kit in it.

Car trouble is a common issue for drivers during the winter. You don’t want to end up stuck on the side of the road in cold weather. Be proactive to avoid hazards like a blown tire.  Take your car in for an inspection and any necessary maintenance, particularly on your tires— make sure they’re winter-ready and properly inflated for the long drive. Prepare a car emergency kit with necessities like a safety cone, carjack, flashlight, and jumper cables. Include first aid essentials and extras like a blanket to stay warm if you break down in the cold.

2. Know how to drive safely on icy roads.

Study up to ensure you know how to safely navigate icy, wet, or slushy roads. Here are some basic tips to keep in mind:

• Avoid driving until roads have been plowed and sanded.
• Give yourself extra time to get to your destination so you don’t rush in suboptimal conditions.
• Decrease your speed as needed.
• Leave yourself plenty of room behind other vehicles so you can stop safely on slick roads.

3. Plan the drive ahead of time, and know alternate routes.

Proper planning ensures that you’re prepared for whatever might happen during your drive. If you’re driving down a highway and hit construction, a road closure, or severe traffic, it can feel impossible to figure out an alternate route on the fly.  When you plot your course, note alternate routes in advance. Tools like a vehicle navigation system or an app like Waze can alert you to potential snags and reroute you safely. These can be a huge help when it comes to staying on track, avoiding road closures, or finding your way back to the main road if you get lost. Also, if you want to avoid traffic, time your travel to put you on busy roads before or after peak traffic times.

4. Carry a cell phone and charger.

You never know when or where car troubles may rear their ugly head. A mobile phone lets you call for help, get a tow, or arrange alternative transportation if you run into trouble.  But it won’t do you any good if the battery dies. Make sure you grab your phone charger before you leave the house. A wall charger is good when you’re making a stop, but a car charger is better when you’re on the road.

If you have a smartphone, you can also download apps to help you in your time of need. It’s also a good idea to download or take a picture of your insurance card.

Winter doesn’t have to be a dangerous time to travel. Use these winter driving tips to be proactive about winter driving safety. That way you won’t spend time stressed about something going wrong.