Friday, January 29, 2010

Allstate Offers Tips on Cold Weather Driving

Rare winter weather forces Kentucky residents to pull out scarves and gloves, turn up the heat and revise the way they drive. This weekend’s wet and wintry weather may leave the roads slick, and that means many Kentucky residents will be driving in conditions they might not be accustomed to. Allstate has some winter driving tips for drivers to keep in mind to stay safe in these wintry conditions. 

1. Reduce your speed

Snow and ice greatly increase the stopping distance for all vehicles. Even four-wheel drive vehicles need to adjust to hazardous road conditions. Not knowing when you are about to encounter black ice, the best driving advice to those that must be on the road is, slow down.

2.   Maintain your car and check that the:

q Tires don’t show excessive signs of wear

q Battery is fully charged

q Wipers are working and windshield fluid is full

q Cooling system is in good working condition

3.   Prepare for the unexpected and carry:

q A flashlight

q Jumper cables

q Blankets

q First-aid kit

q A shovel

q A cellular telephone

Additionally, The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration recommends that the following steps be taken when a vehicle stalls:

q Stay with the car

q Put a bright marker on the antenna or in the windows

q Clear the exhaust pipe, if you can run your car

q Run your car just long enough to remove the chill

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