Winter Driving 101

Every year winter driving sends many people straight into car accidents because they forget how to winter drive.

Even the prettiest roads in the winter can hold dangerous winter driving conditions.

I don’t have to tell most of you that winter is here. From freezing temperatures in places that are usually sunny vacation destinations to overnight snow accumulations that are breaking records, not only is winter here it is here with a wallop.

Every winter, even the most experienced winter drivers have to be reminded that winter driving requires adjustments in the way they handle the roads and our vehicles. For those that are experiencing winter driving for the first time, here are some simple suggestions to get through this winter.

Avoid Winter Driving if Possible

The best way to prevent getting into a winter driving accident is by not driving in the winter. When the roads are bad, and you have no place to go, stay home. There is no reason to put yourself and others in danger by driving on bad roads just because you are having a craving for fast food or you really want to go shopping.

Practice Responsible Winter Driving

Winter driving is a whole monster in itself, and there are things you need to do to be ready for it. Here are some ideas to try and swing the odds back in your favor of not having an accident this time of year:

• Have winter tires put on your vehicle to increase traction.
• Drive slower when there is any hint of the roads being slick.
• Clean all the ice and snow off your windows.
• Leave more room between you and the person in front of you.
• Take turns slower to prevent slid outs.
• Give yourself more time to get where you need to be so you don’t get in a hurry.

Winter Driving May Require Different Insurance

Because the chances of you getting in a car accident in the winter is higher than during the warmer months, you may want to take a look at your insurance coverage to make sure that you have is enough.

For example, if you are carrying the minimum liability limits that your state requires, what would happen if you hit a patch of black ice and caused a multi-car accident? Your state minimum insurance coverage is not going to be enough to cover all of the other vehicles. What is left after your insurance coverage is exhausted you will have to pay for yourself.

If you don’t carry rental car insurance because you can walk to where you need to go if your vehicle is ever in the shop after an accident

, are you going to want to walk everywhere when it is in the 20s and snowing?

Regardless of how safe of a driver you are, winter driving accidents happen to even the safest drivers.