Winter driving tips

As winter rolls in and snow begins to fall, the roads can become a dangerous place. Here are three tips to help you drive safely this winter season.

Inspect you tires

You should inspect your tires at least once a month, especially before long road trips. When inspecting your tires, wait at least three hours after driving to allow the tires to cool down into their resting tire pressure. The pressure listed on your tire is the maximum amount that should be added.

You should also consider installing snow tires on your vehicle. Snow tires are made with a better grip for cold weather and an optimized tread width to help prevent the wheels from slipping.

Stock your vehicle with winter essentials

It’s safest to be extra prepared for winter weather when driving. Some supplies you should keep in your car during the winter are:

• A small snow shovel, broom, and ice scraper
• Jumper cables, flashlight, and warning devices (flares and emergency markers)
• Blankets for protection from the cold
• Cell phone charger, water, food, and any necessary medicine
• Abrasive material, such as sand or kitty litter, to help your car get unstuck from the snow/ice

What to do in an emergency

If you find yourself in a car accident or ditch, follow these tips to keep you and your passengers safe.

When in a multiple car accident, stay inside your vehicle until professional personnel tells you it’s safe, or unless you see signs of a fire. A good idea to keep in mind is, if your car slipped, it’s likely that other cars will too, so the best thing to do is to stay protected in your car from other sliding vehicles.

Finally, whether you are in an accident or slide into a ditch, try and make sure your car can be seen. Put on all of your lights, inside and out, including your hazard warning lights, to create a better chance of others noticing your vehicle faster.