According to the infamous Punxsutawney Phil , we’re not out of the woods yet for winter. The ever-enduring task of dealing with icy roads, freak snowstorms and just plain bitter, cold is just what we have in store for us in the next few weeks. Brrr!
So, I thought this was a good opportunity to put out a friendly reminder about how to weather some of winter’s hazards. Here is a quick list of helpful ideas for you to think about.
- Never go below a half a tank. Running out of gas and being stranded in the bitter cold can be extremely dangerous. With difficult weather conditions for driving or an accident, you never know how long it will take you to get to your destination. It could be hours. See video of some extreme weather patterns.
- Take extra time. On snowy or extreme weather days, build in extra time for travel in your schedule. Buffer in at least 15 minutes of extra time for traffic slowdowns and accidents. Never hurry on hazardous driving days.
- Be courteous. Be patient while driving. Many people, especially older adults, are not at ease driving in winter conditions. Keep a comfortable pace behind a cautious driver. Massachusetts drivers are notorious for being angry, aggressive drivers, don’t be one of them.
- Be aware. Winter is known for its pot holes. Plowing & salting causes this kind of deterioration of secondary and highway roads. Be especially alert while driving to try to avoid them.
- Take good care. Of your vehicle that is. The salt and de-icing chemicals on the roads can cause damage to your vehicle’s undercarriage and exterior. When you see the snow plows on the roads, schedule in time to have your car washed at least once every two weeks. Also, when the exterior of your car shows the white haze, it is a clear indicator of accumulated debris from the salt and chemicals from the roads. Don’t wait for the kids to write the “Wash me” sign on it as a reminder to go.
- Be winter ready. A winter emergency kit of a blanket, water, flashlight, emergency flares, shovel and an ice scraper are all a must. You never know when you may be stranded and have to wait a while for assistance. Below-zero temperatures can be an immediate danger to you and/or your passengers. You cannot rely on the possibility that your car will run to keep you warm or the lights will work so you can easily be seen. It’s good to be prepared, even if you never have had to use this kit in the past. This is especially important if you own an older vehicle.
The bottom line is that common sense goes a long way. If your just smart, take your time and be more cautious on the roads, you’ll weather through the next 6 weeks just fine. Otherwise, you can always do what Punxsutawney Phil does and just hole up until spring.
Here at Donald J. Medeiros Insurance Agency our goal is to try to help our viewers by suggesting solutions for all insurance needs. By no means can we address each reader’s specific concerns in every incident. So, we strongly advise to check with an insurance representative to address your specific needs. However, you can also contact us for any questions or concerns and we will be happy to help you. We are able to offer a complete line of personal & commercial insurance products for all of Massachusetts, Rhode Island and New Hampshire.
Come visit us at www.donmedeirosinsurance.com or give us a call at 508-678-1271. We look forward to hearing from you! If you have a Facebook account, fan us at www.facebook.com/donmedeiros.