Commuting throughout the winter can be a messy proposition. Regular snowfall, slush caused by melting snow and rain, even ice can make traveling during cold months a real hassle.
You are at the mercy of the weather. Plus, if not navigated properly, it could leave you in a real bind when it comes to your auto insurance, particularly if there is damage to your vehicle. Here are a few keys to a safe winter commute until springtime.
Safety first: tune up your vehicle
Before heading out for work, vacation, or running any errands, give your car a proper inspection as often as you can during this winter driving season. Look for any damage, check out the vehicle’s tire inflation level, its fuel system, brakes, and more.
Make it a must to carry a properly equipped Roadside Emergency Kit. Furthermore, Winter tires are essential this time of year so you can drive through ice, snow, and slush without issue. You will also get a marginal discount on your insurance if you fit your car with winter boots.
Be sure to slide through your local Canadian Tire, Michelin or any alternative tire shop to update your tires so that you won’t be sliding on the road this winter.
Emergency supplies
Accidents are more prone to occur during wintertime due to visibility problems and bad road conditions. Keep an emergency kit around so you won’t literally be left in the cold after a collision.
Flashlights will come in handy, especially if that accident happens at night, plus it helps a lot to have a spare tire in your trunk. Having a blanket or comforter would also help as heat in the car will likely stop running after an accident; keeping you warm until help arrives.
It also helps to have roadside assistance plans in place to make sure you are fully covered for repairs.
Winter commutes: liability and driving tips
Once snowfall stops, make sure to shovel your driveways so you can enter and exit in seamless fashion. Another incentive to shovel is clearing off your sidewalks and any walkways around your house eliminates insurance exposure for injuries that occur due to people slipping on your property under Ontario’s Occupier’s Liability Act.
When you do drive out, ensure you are a safe distance away from other vehicles as congestion can increase the risk of accidents. Watching for snowplows is another added factor when considering winter driving.
If you’re driving on a street where snowplows haven’t cleaned the streets yet, drive as slow as possible. It does not matter if you are an expert or a beginner as a driver, it’s always better to be safe than sorry.
Plan ahead and stay awake
Watch your local weather channel for updates on potential delays and traffic congestion before deciding how to attack the roads. Only travel when you have to, after all, no one wants to be outside in this cold without a good reason. If you’re heading to work, a party or anywhere of significance, leaving earlier will give you more time to assess lanes and any weather-related obstacles along your route.
As if the bad weather did not offer enough incentive to keep you driving safely, please ensure you never drive under the influence of drugs or alcohol, and remain aware of other drivers who may have made the choice to. With the holidays falling in the winter months, it further increases risk for individuals driving under the influence, so remain ever vigilant.
Should you need insurance on either your house or home, get a quick and easy quote online from aha insurance.
Have a safe winter commute this season!
