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5 Scary Driving Mistakes to Avoid When Bad Weather Strikes

By October 21, 2014April 15th, 2018Personal Protection

While the best advice is to stay off the roads during bad weather conditions, we know that this is not always a possibility. To help keep you safe during this travel season, we have listed 5 Scary Driving Mistakes to Avoid When Bad Weather Strikes. Remember, one of the best tips is to go slow and take your time.

Not Keeping Enough Space in Between Vehicles

To avoid rear-ending others on the road, be sure to leave three times the normal space between you and the car in front of you. You should also drive slower than usual in poor weather conditions.

Not Being Cautious of Black Ice

Black ice blends in with the black asphalt of the road, making it extremely hard to recognize. If a road looks wet or slick, there is a good chance that black ice is present. Drive cautiously to avoid an accident.

Not Braking Carefully

It takes time to stop when the road is icy, and if you end up slamming on your brakes, chances are you will go skidding out of control.

Braking When Skidding

If you do start to skid, fight the temptation of slamming on your brakes. This removes traction from your tires, taking away your ability to control your vehicle. What you should do when you feel yourself begin to skid is ease off the accelerator and let the car slow down on its own.

Neglecting Visibility

Visibility is a key component of safe winter driving. If your windows are fogged up, don’t drive away. Turn on your defrost setting and wait until all of the windows have cleared up. If there is snow or ice on your window, make sure it’s thoroughly removed before driving.

It’s also very important to make sure you have comprehensive automobile insurance. The right coverage will help protect you in case you are in an accident.

For a free assessment of your automobile coverage, please contact Justin Kraus, Personal Lines Manager a call at (516) 279-5639.

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