A somewhat mild and quiet January is ending with pounding snowfall. The northeast is shutting down due to blizzard like conditions where some areas are preparing to get 2 to 3 feet, that’s right feet, of snow in the course of a day or two. Hundreds of flights have been cancelled, schools are being delayed and many communities are hunkering down expecting the worst. There are many things to consider regarding vehicle safety, driving in adverse conditions, and your auto insurance. Here are a few tips to get you started.
Should I Stay or Should I Go?
Although it may be snowing and the weather reporters are advising drivers to stay home it is reasonable to expect that people will need to leave their house. You may need to go out to the grocery store for food, pick up medicine for a sick household member, go to the office to get files and folders so you can work from home, or run out for some other miscellaneous items like salt, washer fluid, or a shovel. While you are preparing for these unknown conditions do you know if your auto insurance policy is ready should you be involved in an accident?
Is your Vehicle Prepared?
Weather conditions can change in a moment’s notice. A brisk wind can drop temperatures below freezing or a light snowfall can change into a pounding blizzard minimizing visibility. During this time of year you want to make sure all of your vehicles maintenance is current. You don’t want a mechanical breakdown in the middle of a snow storm. You should not drive with less than half a tank of gas because you never know how long you could be idling in traffic. Your washer fluid should be topped off, wiper blades should be changed, and you want to make sure your front and rear defogger is working properly. Your tires also play a major role in navigating snow covered roads. Having good tread and tires that are inflated to the proper PSI (not done by a New England Patriot Staffer) can help with traction and prevent sliding. If you live in an area that sees regular snow fall then a set of snow tires are a good investment.
The Most Essential Tool
Contact the John J Suppa Agency for a pamphlet on putting together a winter survival kit. In the meantime here are a few of our tips. The most important tool to keep handy is a good ice scraper/broom, to clear snow from your vehicle. Did you know you are required by law to clear snow from your hood, your windshield, roof, and trunk of your car before hitting the road? Failing to do so can result in a fine and even worse if a chunk of snow or ice blows off of your car and causes damage to another vehicle you are responsible for the damage. Have you ever been behind a tractor trailers and seen huge sheets of ice blow off or had to swerve to avoid the impact?
What to do Next
Before you hit the road follow our useful tips and then call the John J Suppa Insurance Agency to review your auto insurance policy. We will thoroughly review your policy, make sure all of your bases are covered, and give you piece of mind that you and your vehicle can take on the elements because you are Safe with Suppa. Call John Suppa or Tiffany Baird at 412-238-8200 to schedule your review.