Personal Insurance Blog

This is my, and many other teen drivers' first winter as a driver in New England. I've now driven in the snow once, and it was very scary! I live in a very remote neighborhood that is definitely not the plow trucks' first priority, so next time it's cold enough that there are weather hazards, I think I'll stay home.

Waiting for conditions to improve is the best way to avoid chances of an auto accident. This isn't just for new drivers; experienced winter drivers are frequently complacent in their ability to drive on icy roads and drive regular speeds, which can also lead to accidents, like the one my sister and I were in. If I learned anything from that accident, it's that if the roads aren't plowed, don't drive!

It's important to be aware of the weather conditions before you drive. This is as simple as noting when the temperature is below freezing, or when there's ice or snow on your car or around. Even regular rain can freeze once it collects on the road and turn into ice.

If you do find your car sliding on ice, DON'T SLAM THE BRAKES! Turn your steering wheel to the direction that the rear of your car is sliding to offset it, and just lightly tap the brakes repeatedly. Most cars today have the anti-lock braking system (ABS), and slamming the brakes won't help.

My recommendation is to just take a snow day if you're worried about the weather. That being said, if you're driving and it starts to snow, stay calm, and perhaps just slow down. Watch for ice on the roads and avoid it! Check out our other blog on winter auto tips, and learn more about how to insure your vehicle here. Make winter safety your priority! Thanks to this website on driving tips for providing lots of info!