Winter is finally here and most of us are dealing with winter weather. Since winter won’t be going away for a while, it’s best that we learn how to function in this type of weather, especially while driving. The NOAA has predicted a wetter than average winter this year too so as a winter weather driver, it’s best to know what to expect, so you can prepare yourself even better. Here are 6 winter driving tips that you don’t want to miss out on.
6 Winter Driving Tips
(1) Learn how to drive slower
When it comes to winter weather driving, you can’t be in a rush. You really have to slow down. You may have to go a little under the speed limit. You may also need to leave your house a little bit earlier so you’re not rushing to your destination.
(2) Know what the winter weather hazards are
When there is winter weather out, it’s hard to know what to watch out for. However, every winter the same hazards present themselves. Here are some of the riskiest winter weather hazards to watch out for –
- Icy roads and bridges
- Other drivers who aren’t paying attention to weather conditions
- Snow covered roads
(3) Have a proper car emergency kit
If you’re going to be driving around in the winter, you need to have a proper car emergency kit. A car emergency kit can include a lot of different things from hands warmers to extra blankets to reflective triangles. If at the moment you think you have an okay emergency kit, you can always do better.
Related: Travel Tips for the Holidays
(4) Pay attention to your tires
Do you know much your tires suffer in the winter? You do not want to go out on winter roads without proper tires or with low tire pressure. Even if you think your tires can get through another winter, have them checked out. If the tires themselves are good, then it may be wise to consider getting them rotated or aligned. The better the tires, the better your car will work this winter.
(5) Allow for time to stop
One issue that gets people in trouble while driving in the winter is not giving themselves enough stopping time. Give yourself plenty of time to stop at stop signs and stop lights. If you do need to stop, make sure you pump your brakes and don’t slam on them as this will make it harder to stop and more likely to skid.
(6) Drivewise®
Free to any consumer, Drivewise is a feature on Allstate Mobile that provides personalized, real-time driving feedback – such as how many hard-braking and speeding events you have – that could help make you a safer driver. This app will help you learn where you need to improve to be a better winter weather driver and better driver altogether. Not only does it give you personalized driving feedback, but you can also get a discount on your auto policy just for using Drivewise.
Driving in the winter time is a different ball game. Hopefully, these tips will help you learn how to be a better driver this winter. You might also want to check out the second installment of Allstate’s 2018 America’s Best Driver’s Report. It ranks the country’s largest 200 cities to determine which have the safest drivers in rain and snow driving conditions. It might be good to know who you are driving alongside.
I’d love to hear your tips for driving in the winter. Do you need even more tips? Make sure you read these dos and don’ts for driving in inclement weather.
Drivewise is optional. Subject to terms, conditions, and availability. Smartphone required. Savings based on driving behavior and may vary by state. Allstate Fire and Casualty Insurance Company and affiliates. 2775 Sanders Rd, Northbrook, IL 60062. (C) 2018 Allstate Insurance Company.
This post was written as part of the Allstate Influencer Program and sponsored by Allstate. All opinions are mine. As the nation’s largest publicly held personal lines insurer, Allstate is dedicated not only to protecting what matters most–but to guiding people to live the Good Life, every day.
Wonderful tips! Safety is so important!