Staying Safe on the Roads This Winter

One of the biggest causes of accidents on the road come as a result of poor weather conditions, when the rain, sleet, snow and high winds hit the roads they alter driving conditions and many fail to adapt in order to stay safe, a recent survey of 750 drivers found that 21% of them do not take extra precautions in the colder weather. Naturally one of the worst times when it comes to driving on the roads is during winter when the ice and the snow arrive and you need to be very mindful of how you are driving throughout the winter months.

There is little you can do about other drivers and there is of course, always a chance that you could be involved in an accident as a result of someone else’s poor driving. You can however take steps to avoid being the guilty party when it comes to road accidents and here are a few considerations that you need to keep in mind as winter approaches.

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Car Insurance

It goes without saying that your car should be insured but it is important also that you understand the processes and coverage that you have with your car insurance. Nobody wants to think about having an accident but you should plan ahead and consider what you need to do if the worst should happen, will you receive a temporary car? Is the driver covered for injuries? Can you afford to pay your excess? These are just some of things that you need to know about your insurance and even more so in the winter when a risk of an accident is higher.

Details are Important

You should be running a check over each and every part of your car to ensure that it is ready for the potential dangers that you could face on the wintery roads. Checking car pressures, tire tread, fluid levels such as oil, brake fluid and water and ensuring that all of your lights are working are vital. If you are in any doubt around what you are looking for then take your car to the nearest garage for a winter check up.

Adapting to the Road

The manner in which you drive should change during the winter months and in order to avoid any problems it is important that you drive with even more care and caution than the rest of the year. Braking distances will change significantly in the snow and ice and you should be avoiding any sudden movements or turns, stay further back when tailing someone and indicate even earlier when making a turn.

Don’t Drive if You Don’t Have to

In the winter, more than any other time of the year, it is important that you don’t put yourself in a  position of danger when you don’t need to. If the weather and the roads are bad and you don’t absolutely have to go somewhere, then don’t go. If you do need to travel then consider public transportation, it may take a little extra time but it is a far better option than risking problems on the roads. You could also consider car sharing with colleagues, especially if someone has a car that is better prepared for poor conditions.