Essential Tips for Staying Safe on the Road During Winter Months

BY SOLO INSURANCE®

Introduction

Winter is here! Drivers across the northern half of the country face winter challenges on the road. Drivers may need a refresher course for that first round of snow, ice, and freezing temperatures. These weather-related risks can turn even familiar routes into hazardous journeys. Beyond personal safety, practicing safe driving techniques during winter can help prevent accidents, protect your vehicle, and help keep your car insurance premiums down. In this blog, we’ll highlight key winter safe driving practices every driver should know.

Why Winter Driving Is Different

Winter weather brings unpredictable conditions that increase the risk of accidents. Slippery roads, reduced visibility, and slower response times make it critical to adjust your driving habits. Car insurance claims for accidents tend to spike during the colder months, so it’s more important than ever to drive cautiously and responsibly. According to MoneyGeek.com, “Winter-weather crashes killed 1,579 people between 2020 and 2023, an average of 395 deaths per year.” The article also ranks the states with the most dangerous winter driving statistics (Illinois and Ohio are in the top five).

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Top Winter Safe Driving Techniques

Whether you’ve been driving a long time or new to it, please take a moment and read through these Winter Safe Driving practices. It’s a good refresher (even better with a hot cup of cocoa!).

Slow down and increase following distance.

• Remember, speed limits are designed for ideal conditions. When the roads are icy or snowy, reduce your speed and leave extra space between you and the car in front of you. This gives you more time to react if the car in front of you suddenly stops or loses control.
• Stay calm in all circumstances.

Prepare Your Vehicle

• Periodically, check your tires for adequate tread and pressure. Consider switching to winter tires for improved traction. Ensure your windshield wipers, defrosters, and heaters are working properly. And always, keep your gas tank at least half full to prevent fuel line freeze-up (makes a dad proud).

Keep an Emergency Kit

• Pack a kit with essentials such as blankets, water, a flashlight, jumper cables, ice scraper, and non-perishable snacks. If you get stranded, these supplies can be lifesavers while you wait for help.

Clear Snow and Ice Before Driving

• Remove all snow and ice from your windows, mirrors, lights, and roof. This ensures you have maximum visibility and prevents snow from flying off your car and endangering other drivers.

Use Your Lights

• Turn on your headlights in low visibility conditions, even during the daytime. Proper lighting makes your car more visible to others and helps you see the road better.

Avoid Sudden Maneuvers

• Accelerate, brake, and steer gently to maintain control on slippery surfaces. Abrupt actions can cause skidding or loss of control.

Stay Informed

• Check weather and traffic reports before you travel. If conditions are severe, postpone your trip where possible.

Understand How to Handle a Skid

• If your car starts to skid, remain calm and lift your foot off the pedal. Avoid slamming the bakes.
• Steer into the skid: If the back of your car is sliding to the left, steer left. If it’s sliding to the right, steer right.
• Use gentle, steady steering wheel pressure: Jerking the wheel can make the spin worse.
• Be ready to counter-steer: The car can swing back in the opposite direction once the skid stops, so be prepared to gently steer back the other way to stabilize it.
• Again, steer gently and avoid slamming on the brakes. Remember driving school and pump the brakes. If you have a newer car with anti-lock brakes, they pulse the brakes to “pump” them for you.

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How Safe Winter Driving Can Impact Your Car Insurance

Preventing accidents not only keeps you and others safe, but helps protect your wallet. Safe drivers always pay less than their ‘busy driving record’ equals.  They typically earn more discounts, too (especially when they keep their car insurance active). Insured or not, these Winter Safe Driving techniques help keep you safer on the road. Did you know, many car insurance companies even offer telematics programs that monitor your driving behavior to provide discounts for safe driving, winter or summer?

Conclusion

Winter safe driving doesn’t have to be stressful. Reduces the risk of accidents by preparing your vehicle, adjusting your driving habits, allowing for some extra time, and staying alert. Give yourself peace of mind on the road. Remember, you are precious cargo and your safety is always worth the bit of extra time and attention. Stay safe this winter!

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