As people pack up their car and head out to see family for the holidays, many will be traveling in unfamiliar territory. Some traveling in different parts of the country might run into big white flakes falling from the sky. If you're not used to driving in snow, don't panic. There are some simple steps to make your drive less stressful.
It's a good idea to check the weather report for your destination and points in between before you leave. They can predict these storms fairly accurately, and sometimes leaving even a few hours earlier will make the difference between an easy drive and a very long trip with delays and anxiety.
Also, if you're headed into an area where there could be winter weather, have your tire treads checked before you leave. If tires are worn and close to the point of replacement, you may want to just do it before you leave. Tires make an enormous impact on traction and control.
So you're on the road and the rain is turning to snow. It's starting to accumulate on the road. What do you do?
- Slow down. This gives you a better chance of staying in control.
- Increase the distance between you and the car in front of you. You'll have more time to react if that car starts to slide.
- Make sure your lights are on so other vehicles can see you.
- Try not to accelerate quickly or brake hard, which causes you to lose traction.
- Know whether you have anti-lock brakes or standard ones. If standard, pump the brakes when slowing down. Anti-lock brakes have a self-pumping feature so keep the pressure on the pedal steady, even when it vibrates.
- Be especially careful of bridges and overpasses, which will freeze first.
If the weather is deteriorating rapidly, the safest decision is to pull over and wait it out for a while. Get a cup of coffee, check the weather report and wait for the plow trucks to get out on the main roads. If it doesn't look like conditions will improve, reassess your plan. It's better to get to your destination late than to have the extra anxiety of dealing with an accident that could have been avoided.
We’ve got you covered, at home or on the go. Call Alliance Insurance Group at (888) 279-9701 for more information on Denver auto insurance.