Headed North? Are you Prepared for Icy Roads?

Most Floridians love warm weather and the benefits that come with it. However, every now and then, its nice to cool down up north. Whether you’re renting a car or driving to your Northern destination, stay aware while driving in winter weather because driving conditions can get worse quickly.

Here are a few more tips to stay safe while driving:

Check the weather. Check the weather report to see if there are storms predicted for anywhere along your journey. This can also help you to plan what day and time you should driving. Ideally, it’s best to beat the storm but if you can’t, aim to drive only in the daylight. Another option is to wait two days after the storm has hit. This will give road crews enough time to plow the highways before you have to drive on them. While this may delay your trip slightly, so would sitting in stop dead traffic waiting for an accident to be cleared.

Get a tune-up. As an auto insurance provider, we realize many accidents could be avoided if simple tune-ups were done every so often. Having your car tuned up is a good idea before you start driving. Small things like changing your wipers can help you to avoid an accident.

Know when to get off the road. The majority of fatalities happen between midnight and 3AM. Even if you are wide awake on a caffeine binger, it’s wise to not drive past midnight. Parties are plentiful, especially during the holiday season. So calling it a day before the parties end lowers your risk of getting into an accident. Look for a well-lit and safe hotel to stay in for the night.

Drive well-rested. Fatigue can have the same effect on your response times and awareness as drinking alcohol can. While no one wants to drink and drive, many will drive tired. Do not over-exert yourself. If you feel yourself about to nod off, pull over at a rest stop or truck stop. Stretch your legs. Sometimes, walking around for a bit can wake you up. If that doesn’t help, ask someone else to drive for a while or pull over for the night.

Do not let your gas level reach empty. There are stretches of the highway that do not have gas stations on a consistent basis. Once you get to a half-tank, or no lower than a quarter of a tank, pull over and fill up.

Carry supplies. Weather can turn at a moment’s notice, so it is important to be prepared. Carry water, snacks, blankets, flares, and flashlights with you. If you end up driving into a storm and cannot see clearly, pull over. If you are forced to pull over on the interstate, light your flares so other cars can see you.

Additionally, we recommend that you have your auto insurance policy reviewed on a regular basis to ensure you are covered for all possibilities. Things like an uninsured motorist provision and GAP coverage can make a difference if you happen to get into an accident.