Over the past week we have had two milestones that signify that the winter season is nearing the end . The Super Bowl was last Sunday and the annual event at Gobbler’s Knob in Punxsutawney, PA was on Monday. If you believe a groundhog can predict the weather then Punxsutawney Phil predicted six more weeks of winter. While traveling this week I experienced freezing rain, icy road conditions, and a driving snow storm. I thought it would be a good idea to share more driving tips to get you through the next six weeks of winter.
You are ready but is how about everyone else
After reading last week’s blog posting I am sure your vehicles are road ready. You have equipped your vehicles with a shovel, salt, snow brush, and emergency snacks. Just because you are ready does not mean other drivers are as prepared or as careful as you. When driving in poor conditions I like to observe to see if the other drivers on the road are being cautious and paying attention to the conditions. Often times they are not, and I wonder what they are thinking as they speed pass a salt truck or swerve in and out of lanes while the snow comes down.
Before you go out
It is very important and required by law to clear snow from your hood, windshield, roof, trunk, and head lights. This will help to maximize your visibility and keep chunks of snow and ice from blowing off of your vehicle and potentially causing damage to another car. Topping off your washer fluid so you can keep your windshield clean is also a good idea. The snow and salt mixing with the dirt on the road will easily find its way on to your windshield either from driving through puddles or being splashed back from the vehicles in front of you.
Controlling you Car
There is no way to gain control of your vehicle once you hit ice. Two wheel drive, four wheel drive, or a power redistribution system are all useful features to have but they are no match for ice. Anti-lock brakes are smart enough to control breaking when your car loses traction but nothing can slow you down on ice. If you have slipped on ice or been ice skating think about what happens when you lose your footing? You can wave your arms, bend over front wards and backwards but most likely you are going to end up on the ground. Your car responds the same way. While driving keep in mind that posted speed limits are meant for dry conditions, not roads covered with snow and ice. You may also want to consider reducing your speed and increasing your following distance behind other vehicles to give yourself more room to come to a stop.
Be Patient
A patient driver is a good driver. Do not pass snow plows and salt trucks. The road ahead can be worse than the road behind you. Also if there is salt, sand, and snow being blown all around from the plow truck this can impact your visibility and the truck driver may not see you either. Bridges and over passes freeze before a normal roadway so when merging on and off of highways you want to be aware of your speed.
The Best Thing to Do
The best thing to do before you head out is be aware of the current conditions and any anticipated changes in the weather pattern. Allow extra time to get to your destination. If you get in an accident the amount of time you will spend dealing with a claim will far exceed any time you may have saved from speeding. Most important of all is call John Suppa or Tiffany Baird at the Suppa Insurance Agency at 412-28-8200. We will make sure all of your bases are covered and give you the piece of mind knowing that you are Safe with Suppa.