Winter can be beautiful. When you’re on the road, dangerous road conditions can occur quickly. Whether it’s a winter storm, freezing temperatures, or even wind chills that cause unexpected patches of glare ice, winter driving requires defensiveness. It is important that all drivers be prepared in case of a winter roadside emergency. Here are some tips from Turk’s Collision Center to ensure you stay safe on roads in case of an emergency.
Prepare Your Vehicle
A well-maintained vehicle is much less likely to break down unexpectedly or cause an accident. Before winter, make sure that your car’s:
- Tires have good traction for snowy and icy conditions.
- Battery is in good shape for extreme cold.
- trunk has a snow brush, shovel, and ice scraper
- gas tank is at least half-full at all times.Have an Emergency Kit
Just in case you do get stranded on the road, it’s essential to have a winter emergency kit. Some items to include are:
- Extra blankets, sweaters, and winter gear
- Car cell phone charger
- Hand warmers
- High energy snacks
- Road flares
- Flashlight
- Fresh water
- Jumper cables
- First aid kit
Know Who to Call
Knowing who to call in case of a road emergency reduces panic and anxiety in an already-stressful situation. Be sure that each member of your family has a list of emergency numbers to call for assistance. Some suggestions include the number of your roadside assistance company, family members, friends, and neighbors. Of course, 911 is always the first number to call for life-threatening emergencies.
Prevent an Accident
It is certainly important to practice good defensive driving no matter what the season. However, hazardous road conditions require a higher level of vigilance. Accidents can occur with little warning when to snow or ice is present.
- Slow down and allow more distance between vehicles
- Never drive under the influence of alcohol or drugs
- Avoid texting, phone usage, and other forms of distracted driving
- Drive when you are feeling alert and awake. Winter days are shorter, and if you tend to feel sleepy while night-driving, plan your route so that you arrive before dark
Make sure to discuss winter driving and road safety with younger drivers. These drivers may not have much experience driving in hazardous conditions. Younger drivers are also more likely to drive while distracted.
For more tips on handling a winter driving emergency, click here.
If you’ve been in an accident, whether it be major or minor, trust the professionals at Turk’s Collision Center. Turk’s Collision Center is a state-of-the art auto body and collision repair shop located in Peoria, Illinois. Our A.S.E. certified technicians are dedicated to restoring your vehicle to its pre-accident condition, with quick turnaround and a lifetime guarantee on all of our work. Find out more by visiting our website or by calling (309) 694-2905 today!
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