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Winter creates challenging diving conditions. According to the U.S. Every year 24% of car accidents occur because of driving on slushy, snowy or icy pavements, and more than 70% of roads in the US are found in snowy regions. Reduced visibility and slippery, icy roads mean that drivers need to be be vigilant and drive safely. What about acquiring auto insurance for an eventuality?
What can you do to keep it safe while driving in the winter?
1. Be aware of your surroundings
A distracted driver is a danger behind the wheel. Keep your eyes and attention on the road, and watch out for oncoming traffic, black ice and other slippery surfaces. Safety first.
2. Maintain a safe distance from other cars
Tailgating on foggy or icy roads could be fatal because your car could be slower to stop, or might slide unpredictably. Check the recommended distance between vehicles by the traffic regulations in your state and drive safely.
3. Use your turn signals when changing lanes or turning
A turn signal lets drivers ahead of and behind you what you plan to do. Many accidents occur when two or more drivers concurrently make a decision to change lanes. Make sure that your signal lights are in proper working condition, and signal appropriately when you are turning off a highway, especially in cold months.
4. Make sure your windshield wipers and headlights are in good condition.
Imagine driving in a heavy downpour with faulty wipers! That is suicidal, right? You need excellent visibility and lighting to see ahead and make sound judgment every moment of the way. The headlights must be in working condition to avoid accidents as the traffic flows in winter conditions.
5. Check your tire pressure regularly and replace worn-out tires
Properly inflated tires save you fuel, while deflated tires increase the risk of accidents and damaged rims, which can be costly. Worn out tires are problematic on icy roads because the treads have poor grip. The sliding and skidding may make the car veer off the road and roll.
6. Drive slowly in bad weather conditions
Freezing rain, hail, fog, snow storms, and blizzards are all bad news for drivers. If at all possible, stay off the road during severe weather events (Read more on when to drive or not in winter conditions). If you must drive, going more slowly improves your reaction time and decreases the risk of an accident.
Drive carefully in winter. It is also advisable to insure your car even if you take precaution. See the types of coverage we offer at IMA Select.
Do you have any questions or need more information on getting auto insurance? Please, contact one of our IMA Select representatives in your area and you will get a timely response.
Have questions? Want to know more?
Reach out! At IMA, we’re here to help safeguard your future!