Social Media Moms and Esurance has teamed up with A Thrifty Geek to share with some trip to be safe while driving this winter. I know what you are thinking…. WHAT WINTER!. We live in Kentucky and we have not had a winter yet. It has been really strange but I believe that winter is still coming. (hopeful thinking) I think we will have days of snow this year and we need to be prepared and ready to drive in the winter elements. Here are a few tips that this southern girl has learned over the years while living in Kentucky on how to drive in the snow as well as what Esurance suggest.
- Clean all windshields before entering the roads. I know it is freezing outside when there is snow or heavy frost on the windows but it is so important that you have all your windows cleaned off before you enter the roadway. The driver needs full visual of what is happening around them. I can remember seeing a person driving down the road one time with just peep holes out the front window and the two front side windows. That scared me to death because I knew their sight was limited to what was going on around them.
- Keep plenty of space between you and the other cars. It is ok to have a 6 car length between you and the car in front of you. Drive with distance between allows you plenty of time to react to what the car is doing and allowing time if your car starts to slide. If you do this, it will cut down the chances of you sliding into another car drastically.
- Tire condition is so important as you are heading into the winter months. According to Esurance Blog, the tires should be at least 6 /32 inch deep. A new tire is 10/32 inch deep. The grip of the tire is important when there is snow and slush on the roads. This is something that is not thought of until it is too late but be sure to check all the tires on your cars and make sure the tread has not got to “bald”, as we call it in our household. If you tires are below the recommended tread, grab a bag of sand and a shovel to keep in your trunk in case you get stuck somewhere.
- Stock Up for the car. It is not a bad idea to keep supplies in the car for if you get stuck somewhere. I use to do this all the time when my children was little but I always make sure I have supplies in the car when winter comes. Here is what I put in my reusable grocery bag that stays in my trunk.
- fleece blanket
- Bottled waters (2-4)
- Granola bars
- flash light
- trash bag
- extra set of gloves and hat
- matches
- candle
5. Keep all your car information in one place. Place all your documents such as car insurance, registration and even a copy of your license all in one envelope and in one place in the car. If you get into an accident or pulled over, it will be easy to find and you won’t be stressing out digging through your documents or purse.
After reading through the Esurance Blog I know there is many more great tips to keep you safe but these are the top tips that I make sure I am doing each winter. My view is that you can never be under prepared. Bring on winter!!
About Esurance
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“I wrote this blog post while participating in the SocialMoms and Esurance blogging program for 8,000 My SocialMoms Rewards Points. For more information on how you can participate, click here.
