As temperatures drop, wet and slippery roads covered in ice and snow can be a daily hazard that drivers have to face. These winter conditions make the roads a little less safe for driving, posing the risk of potentially serious or even fatal accidents. You can still drive safely and protect yourself and your passengers during winter. The first step is learning about the unique hazards that come along with driving on the roads during winter.
Icy roadways and lower temperatures both pose a threat to your safety while driving in winter. Let's take a closer look at each threat to better understand the danger they pose to you and your family.
When temperatures fall below the freezing point, wet roadways become icy. Ice on the roads can be hazardous and hard to spot. Even if the air feels warm, the road could be freezing, icy, and much colder than the warm air you're breathing. Icy roadways are dangerous because they prevent your car tires from getting a good grip. As a result, poor traction makes it difficult to control your car, including steering and braking.
Black ice is one particular road hazard that accompanies winter weather. This thin layer of ice that forms on the road's surface often doesn't look like ice. As such, you might think that the road is only wet, especially at night. Hitting a patch of black ice can cause you to spin and lose control of your vehicle.
Lower temperatures also have a significant effect on your car's tires. Colder temperatures cause the air inside your tires to contract, resulting in underinflated tires. This can be dangerous because underinflated tires have a poor grip on the road, decreasing performance and safety. Any vehicle with underinflated tires is prone to sliding on icy roadways and can be more difficult to control. Keep in mind that tires that are not appropriately inflated are also prone to damage.
Understanding the danger is only half of the battle. Here are some winterizing steps that can help you drive safely and avoid wintertime car accidents:
By observing these tips, you can help neutralize some of the added driving dangers during winter. The best tip to protect yourself and your family while driving is to have the right auto insurance policy all the times. If you need help securing an automobile policy, contact the team at C.V. Mason Insurance Agency. Our experts will help you get a car insurance plan that suits your budget and requirements.