Travel is a big part of the holiday season. There are a lot more people on the road than usual. Add in unexpected winter weather and it’s a recipe for car accidents. Make sure you and your family are safe this winter with these seven tips for driving in hazardous winter conditions.
You should pack a special emergency kit anytime you hit the road for a long drive. Your everyday emergency kit should include a tire changing kit, tool kit, flashlights with extra batteries and first aid kit. You’ll also want to have plenty of water and some nutritious snacks, like trail mix or low-sugar energy bars, on hand in case you’re stuck along the road for a while.
Your winter emergency car kit should also have extra clothes and blankets to help keep you warm in an emergency. Pack an extra coat, gloves, socks and hats in case you need to add layers for warmth. You can also put air-activated hand and foot warmers in your emergency kit for quick, portable heat. In addition to warm clothing, consider packing a small, foldable shovel and tow straps to help you free your vehicle if it becomes stuck in the snow.
Wintertime can lead to nasty weather. Even if you live in a warmer climate, the winter can bring cold, rainy days. On days when the temperature drops and the weather is bad, it could be tempting to start your car in the garage and let it warm up. You should never give in to the temptation to run your car in an enclosed area.
As your car burns fuel to warm up the interior, the exhaust pipe is pumping out carbon monoxide. Carbon monoxide is poisonous and undetectable to the human senses. In an enclosed space, such as your garage, the gas can build up and cause potentially fatal health risks to you and your family.
If driving in winter weather conditions is avoidable, don’t get in the car. Regularly check the weather forecast before your trip to monitor the current outlook. Consider postponing your departure or return dates to avoid bad storms or weather cycles. If you must drive on a certain day, check the forecast and try to leave earlier or later to miss the worst parts of the storm. Be sure to give yourself plenty of time to reach your destination so you aren’t in a rush when bad weather hits.
Following proper car maintenance is important year-round. In addition to regular maintenance, you should have your car inspected by your favorite repair shop before you make any long drives. This gives your mechanic a chance to look at your vehicle's fluid levels and internal systems to check for problems that could affect you on the road.
Make sure you ask the shop to check your brakes and tires for optimal performance. If an issue if found, get repairs completed right away so your car is safe for the holiday season.
Winter weather tends to lead to slick road surfaces. Even in a mild climate, you may experience a lot of rain during the winter months. Freeze-thaw cycles can also lead to dangers on the road, such as increased cracking potholes. Be prepared for these hazards by knowing how to handle slick road conditions.
If you plan to spend a lot of time in areas with heavy winter weather like snow, consider purchasing snow tires or tire chains. Snow tires might seem expensive, but they generally last longer than an all-season tire because you’re only using them a few months out of the year. Many snow tires feature metal studs that work as cleats to dig into snow and ice, giving you traction.
For occasional trips into heavy snow areas, like a quick holiday ski trip, you may want to invest in a set of snow chains. Some roadways even require you to carry or install snow chains in certain weather conditions. Snow chains are a bit like a metal netting that fits over your tires to give them traction in ice and snow. The links of the chains grab onto snow and ice better than the treads of your tires to increase your traction. Remember to remove your snow chains as soon as you reach a road with exposed pavement to avoid damaging the roadway. It’s better to be safe and purchase snow chains in the chance that you may need them. If you end up not having to use them, some stores may allow you to return unopened snow chains.
No matter how much you prepare for your holiday road trip, there’s the chance something could go wrong. Knowing what to do if you become stranded in cold and wintery weather could help you stay safe on your road trip. If you find yourself stuck along the road in a snowstorm or other winter weather, follow these rules:
Be prepared this winter by following these seven winter driving trips on your next holiday road trip. If you don’t have roadside assistance through your auto insurance, consider adding it to help you if you experience a breakdown or accident on your next holiday drive.
Disclaimer: The above content is for informational purposes only and is not a direct representation of coverages offered by Wawanesa or its policies. The information does not refer to any specific contract of insurance and does not modify any definitions, provisions, exclusions or limitations expressly stated in any contracts of insurance. All references within the above content are illustrative and may not apply to your situation. The terms and conditions of the actual insurance policy or policies involved in a claim are determinative as to whether an accident or other loss is covered. To understand the coverage under your current policy, please log into the account management platform to review your policy or contact an agent directly.
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