Hi, My Name's Liesel

Insurance companies customarily give safe-driving discounts to their customers who consistently avoid accidents while driving. While there are many other ways to get your auto insurance rate lowered, being a safe driver is something that will pay off financially for you. Driving in the winter tends to be riskier, especially when the roads provide little traction due to ice and snow. One way to avoid being in a winter accident is to keep off the roads whenever you can. If you need to be out, here are three tips to keep you safe when you're driving in wintry conditions.  

Use Winter Tires

Many drivers skip the use of winter tires as a strategy to save money, but the reality is that using your summer tires throughout the winter months can cost you more if you're in an accident. Winter tires can drastically reduce your likelihood of being in an accident. Greater tread depth and a different rubber compound combine to improve your stopping distance and increase your control, even when road conditions are at their worst. Equipping your vehicle with winter tires before the slow flies is an effective way to keep safe and qualify for a safe-driving discount. Additionally, many insurance companies will lower your rate right away if you prove your use of winter tires.

Give Yourself Enough Prep Time

Running out of the house, hopping into your vehicle and furiously using your windshield wipers in an attempt to remove the ice that's impeding your vision is a bad strategy. You'll be far safer on the road if you give yourself adequate time to prepare every time you need to use your vehicle. Always brush the snow off your vehicle and scrape away any ice; it's a good practice to remove the snow on your roof and trunk, too, so it won't interfere with other drivers once you're underway. Starting the car in advance and waiting for it to heat up will mean that your windows and windshield aren't foggy by the time you pull out of your driveway.

Increase Your Following Distance

It's conventional to try to keep three seconds between you and the driver in front of you to ensure that you have enough braking distance if he or she stops suddenly. This rule, however, is geared toward dry road conditions. If the roads are slippery due to ice or snow, increase your following distance. Although there's no specified rule about how closely you should follow, given that poor conditions can vary considerably, the general approach to take is the more distance you allow, the less likely you'll be in an accident that will negate your safe-driver status with your insurance company. For further assistance or information, contact a local provider, such as Beriswill Insurance.