Winter Weather: How to Stay in Control Behind the Wheel

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Snow, high winds, fog, and rain pose threats to motorists throughout the winter months, when safe driving and well-maintained vehicles take on even greater importance, according to the Insurance Information Institute (I.I.I.). In order to avoid a potentially dangerous situation, the I.I.I. offers the following winter driving tips:

• Give yourself enough time to arrive at your destination. Trips can take longer during winter than other times of the year, especially if you encounter storm conditions or icy roads.
• Drive slowly because accelerating, stopping, and turning all take longer on snow-covered roads.
• Leave more distance than usual between your vehicle and the one just ahead of you, giving yourself at least ten seconds to come to a complete stop. Cars and motorcycles usually need at least three seconds to halt completely when traveling on dry pavement.
• Be careful when driving over bridges or roadways that are rarely exposed to sunlight, as they are often icy when other areas are not.
• Avoid sudden stops and quick direction changes.
• Be sure to keep your gas tank full. Stormy weather or traffic delays may force you to change routes or turn back. A fuller gas tank also averts the potential freezing of your car's gas line.
• Keep windshield and windows clear. Drivers in cold weather states should have a snow brush or scraper in their vehicle at all times. Your car's defroster can be supplemented by wiping the windows with a clean cloth to improve visibility.
• Do not activate your cruise control when driving on a slippery surface.
• Do not warm up a vehicle in an enclosed area, such as a garage.
• Keep your tires properly inflated and remember that good tread on your tires is essential to safe winter driving.
• Check your exhaust pipe to make sure it is clear. A blocked pipe could cause a leakage of carbon monoxide gas into your car when the vehicle's engine is running.
• Monitor the weather conditions at your destination before beginning your trip. If conditions look as though they are going to be too hazardous, just stay home.