5 Tips for Driving in January

January 3rd, 2013  |  Insurance

January is typically known for being a bad month to drive. Driving conditions are not favorable and it is widely regarded as one of the worst months of the year for weather. From snow, to sleet, rain, and ice, you never know what Mother Nature is going to throw at us.

Poor weather and poor road conditions go hand in hand.  So, drivers need to take extra care when they are on the road. They need to be extra cautious, especially when visibility is poor, and watch out for things like ice patches, snow piles, and of course pedestrian and other drivers.

The following are some driving tips that need to be re enforced to ensure that January ends as a safe driving month for you and your family.

1. Slow down: This should go without saying, but you need to slow down when the weather is poor. Stopping suddenly or making a quick lane change could cause you to lose control if the roads are slick.
2. Drive according to weather conditions: Just because the speed limit is 100 doesn’t mean that you have to drive at that speed. Drive according to the weather conditions, even if, in some cases, that forces you to drive less than the posted speed limit.
3. Clean off your car properly: Too many people drive with snow all over their car. This often impedes your vision and is very dangerous. Take the time to brush off all the snow and ice from your vehicle before driving.
4. Keep extra washer fluid in your trunk: You never know when you will run out of windshield washer fluid. In the winter, especially when the roads are wet, it is almost impossible to drive on the road for more than a few minutes without using washer fluid. Always keep an extra jug in the trunk.
5. Create some distance: Winter driving can be unpredictable. This is why it is important to give yourself some extra distance between you and the car in front of you.