When driving in the winter in Connecticut, roads can be very hazardous due to the natural slickness from ice and snow. As you independent insurance agent, we want to provide tips for our policy holders for driving in these conditions to help minimize a drivers chance at being in an accident. Below are a few tips for preparing to drive with safety during the often harsh New England winters, be it in West Hartford or anywhere else in Connecticut.
KNOW THE ROUTE AND WEATHER CONDITIONS
Accidents often occur when people don’t know exactly where they are going, causing them to stop suddenly or take sudden turns. So make sure you plan your route out exactly when driving in these adverse winter weather conditions. Take along a GPS if you have to. Also, pay attention to the weather forecast itself, so you are aware of if the outside conditions are going to get worse.
SLOW DOWN
Driving more slowly in wet or icy conditions in Connecticut is a good rule of thumb, as it will allow you to stop more easily and react more quickly to anything that might cause an accident. However, it’s important to not go too slow as this can be dangerous for you and other drivers on the road. Your car also needs a certain amount of momentum at all times to go up icy hills, otherwise gravity will take hold and you will really lose control of the car.
LEARN HOW TO STEER OUT OF SKIDS
If you hit the brakes a little too hard and skid on the icy road conditions, learn how to steer out of the skid so you don’t lose total control of the car. First, relax and steer the car in the direction you want it to go. Second, do not touch the brakes while you do this, as that will cause your wheels to lock up and really make you lose control.