Winter has already come and went a few times in the Ozarks and could possibly come and go a few more times over the next couple of months. Driving in the winter weather can cause a lot of stress and anxiety for most drivers. Knowing some helpful tips and precautions can help ease your mind when mother nature hits.

Get weather alerts

Modern day technology can be helpful when is moving in. Make sure your phone is fully charged and download an app you trust. Companies like MODOT, The Weather Channel and KY3 provide weather apps that will send you notifications and weather alerts so you can always be in the know.

Prepare your car

Making sure your car is prepared is the first thing you should do. Making sure you have lots of tread and good tires is very important. Also, having an emergency kit in your car can go a long way. For more information on how to make sure your car is prepared click here the link to reference our blog.

Always check the weather before you begin driving. Clean your external camera lenses and mirrors so you are able to see around you clearly. Be sure to remove any dirt or snow from your sensors to help make sure the assisted driving features will work. Be sure all your headlights, tail lights and blinkers are working properly for better visuals.

Driving in the snow

When driving in the snow its best to drive at a slower speed than you normally would to make up for the lower traction your tires will have. Avoid stopping, stay at a slow roll if you can and never stop on a hill. Increase your following distance when behind another vehicle. It’s important to know alternate routes to and from your destination. If you can avoid heavily trafficked areas, hills and curves you can make your drive easier and safer for you. If you can it’s best to stay off the road all together when winter weather hits. But, if you have to drive, be sure and tell someone your travel plans and the route you plan on taking.

AAA offers the following tips to help avoid a crash:

• Avoid using cruise control in wintry conditions
• Steer in the direction of a skid, so when your wheels regain traction, you don’t have to over correct to stay in your lane
• Don’t power up hills. Applying extra gas on snow-covered roads will just make your wheels spin. Try to get a little inertia going before you reach the hill and let that inertia carry you to the top. As you reach the crest of the hill, reduce your speed and proceed downhill slowly.
• Accelerate and decelerate slowly. Apply the gas slowly to regain traction and avoid skids. Don’t try to get moving in a hurry and take time to slow down for a stoplight. Remember: It takes longer to slow down on icy roads.

If you do get in a wreck call 911 and if safe, move your car to the shoulder of the road.  View winter accident tips in this video from our Insurance Agent John Schaeffer, click Here.

Knowing Company Policies

If bad weather strikes can you work from home? Knowing work policies will help you stay safe and maybe let you avoid the roads. It’s important to know school and daycare weather policies too. If weather strikes in the afternoon how will they let you know they are closing early and what will the pick up procedures be? Also, make sure you know how to check if schools  and work are closed.

 

 

Sources:

https://exchange.aaa.com/safety/driving-advice/winter-driving-tips/#.Xh9XnchKiUk

 

 

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