Tips For Winter Driving

Severe weather can be both frightening and dangerous for automobile travel. At Steers Insurance we understand the need to be prepared for weather disasters, and that you have a wide variety of car insurance options to choose from in Newfoundland & Labrador. It’s important to ensure you have the right type and amount of insurance coverage for your vehicle.

To help you mitigate the risks of driving locally in winter, with its snow and ice hazards, we’ve pulled together these tips:

  • Avoid driving while you’re tired. Getting the proper amount of rest reduces driving risks.
  • Turn on your lights to increase your visibility to other motorists.
  • Use your seat belt every time you get into your vehicle.
  • Make certain your tires are properly inflated.
  • Keep your gas tank at least half full.
  • If possible, avoid using your parking brake in cold, rainy, and snowy weather.
  • Do not use cruise control when driving on any slippery surface.
  • Don’t tailgate, and learn how to control skids. When skidding, look and steer where you want to go.
  • Keep a snow brush/scraper in your car, along with possible emergency items.
  • Slow down! Everything takes longer on snow-covered roads – accelerating, stopping, turning – so give yourself time to maneuver safely by driving slowly.

For your additional safety, never run a vehicle in an enclosed area, such as a garage. Like an exhaust pipe clogged with snow, ice or mud, it could cause deadly carbon monoxide gas to leak into the passenger compartment with the engine running. Additionally, for driving longer distances:

  • Always make sure your vehicle is in peak operating condition.
  • Watch weather reports for the areas you will be driving through, delay your trip when especially bad weather is expected, and let others know your route, destination and estimated time of arrival.
  • Take your cell phone, a lightweight shovel, battery jumper cables, and a flashlight plus blankets, gloves, hats, food, water and any needed medication in your vehicle.

If you become snow-bound, stay with your vehicle as it provides shelter and makes it easier for rescuers to locate you. The best plan in winter, however, is to stay home and if you really don’t have to go out, watch the snow from indoors.

If you’d like more information on safe winter driving, have a question, or would like an auto insurance quote, call Steers Insurance at 709-722-1532 or Toll-Free at 1-877-478-3377 today.

News