Winter weather often includes snow. Driving in snow is not the same as driving down the street on a nice, sunny, day. Here are some safety tips that can help you to safely drive through the snow and to avoid an accident, (and the auto insurance claim that would accompany it).
Right now, I live in a part of California that doesn’t actually get any snow. This is a great relief to me after growing up and spending my young adult life in the midwest. I’ll be quite happy if I never have to drive through a snowstorm during a “Chicago Winter”, ever again!
Like many who learn to drive in a place that has snowy weather, I got reasonably good at it. Even so, it’s still a good idea to read over some tips for driving safely through the snow. It’s never fun to get into a “fender bender”, and no one wants to deal with an accident in the snow (especially when it involves sliding into a ditch on the side of the road and waiting for a tow truck to save you).
Your car insurance company isn’t primarily concerned about why you got into an accident. However, they will note that you got into one. Accidents, of course, lead to auto insurance claims. Your insurer doesn’t want to have to pay out those claims, especially if they are expensive ones. They would much rather teach you ways to avoid getting into accidents, (even in snow).
State Farm has some good advice about driving in snow or ice. Much of it is common sense tips that people know, but do not always remember, in the heat of the moment.
Drive Slow
You want to drive slowly because the road could have ice on it. In some cases, there will be “black ice” that you will not even see before you encounter it. Ice is slick and reduces the traction you have on the road. Going slow can help avoid an accident.
Make Sure You Can See
Take the time to defrost you windshield, to scrape the ice off of it, and to wipe off your driver’s side window. Knock the snow off the top of your car so it won’t slide down and block your view after you are driving. This can help you avoid a collision with a driver that you didn’t see.
Image by Chris Dodson on Flickr