For most of us, driving during the winter months is not only a hassle, but also a dangerous affair that could cost precious lives. Roads are often slippery or covered with snow, making it important to know what to do in case of an emergency. To keep from seeing a much higher insurance premium due to an at-fault accident, here are a few simple guidelines that will help you stay safe during those winter driving months.

Before Leaving Home, Be Safe

• Watch the news, phone someone, or listen to the radio to learn about road conditions. Whether you are running errands or driving cross-country, if the weather turns bad, choose whether you should keep away from winter driving altogether. If you choose to leave home and it is snowing, stay home until after snowplows have salted and cleared most roads.
• Take a car charger for your cellular phone, or purchase one if you do not already have one. This is a great time to make sure you can contact help in case of an emergency. Program emergency roadside assistance’s number into your cellular phone ahead of time.
• Winterize your car at the end of the fall season if possible. If you do this, your vehicle will be as prepared as it can be for the winter driving season.

Make sure you put an emergency safety kit in your trunk or backseat. A good emergency kit should include the things you would need in case of a problem, should you become stranded, or if you encounter winter weather:

• Ice scraper
• Extra wiper fluid
• Reflective triangles/road flares
• Inflated spare tire, as well as a working jack and a wrench
• Small tool kit, including flashlight and extra batteries
• Jumper cables
• Shovel
• Bag of salt (or cat litter) for traction
• First aid kit
• Matches and candle
• Water (at least one gallon)
• Protein bars, dried fruit, and/or nuts
• Blankets, gloves, hat, and similar warm clothing

Guidelines for Driving on Ice or Snow

Never try to rush when driving on icy or snowy roads. Be sure that you have more than enough time to drive where you are going to ensure your own safety. Do not be fooled into thinking that you can drive fast if you have a four-wheel or all-wheel drive car that allows for better handling. You should still set your speed under the safe limit. Although cruise control is normally your friend, avoid using it during the winter, along with overdrive. Watching your speed will help keep you safe and alert.

Always wear your seatbelt, and make use of your low-beam headlights, even during the daytime hours. This is especially true if you drive a white or light-colored vehicle. Allow additional room for stopping. You may need up to three times more room than you would if the road was clear and conditions were good. In addition, never stomp your brake. Instead, touch the brake pedal lightly to keep from skidding or sliding on icy surfaces.

When navigating icy roads, utilize lower gears and maintain momentum going uphill. Be extra careful at night, since black ice is one of the most dangerous road conditions known. Be especially careful when on bridges and/or overpasses, since they are prime breeding grounds for ice.

What To Do If Your Vehicle Skids-Rear Tires

• As soon as you feel your vehicle beginning to skid, move your foot off of the gas.
• Steer toward the skid, and then gradually turn the wheel straight.
• Pump gently for conventional brakes; apply constant pressure for anti-lock brakes.

If Your Vehicle Skids-Front Tires

• Front car tires easily skid when leaving a stop sign or stoplight. Touch the accelerator now and then to allow the tires to regain traction.
• If this takes place while moving, let off the accelerator right away and shift the vehicle into neutral without trying to steer.
• As the vehicle slows down, steer in the direction of the skid and put the vehicle into drive, tapping the gas lightly and slowly.

What To Do If You Get Stuck In Snow

This is when that emergency kit becomes very helpful. Start by shoveling the snow from under and around your tires. If you have some help available, rock the vehicle while lightly accelerating. If you are alone, pour the sand/cat litter in the tire’s path and feather the gas, allowing the vehicle to gain traction.

Using these guidelines and taking the right precautions during the winter months will make sure that your winter driving is as safe as possible, keeping your auto insurance rate as low as you can.

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