Stay safe by avoiding these bad driving habits this winter.

During the winter months, wet and icy road conditions can make driving a dangerous activity.  However, there are certain bad habits that will increase your chances of car trouble this winter.  If you want to make it through the season unscathed, make sure you avoid these driving habits.

  • Speeding

While you shouldn’t ever speed, you should be particularly careful to avoid this habit in winter.  If you speed on wet, icy roads, there’s a major chance that you will skid or loose control of your vehicle.  To be safe, reduce your speed and make sure that you ease into turns and lane changes slowly.

  • Tailgating

Much like speeding, tailgating is a driving habit that you should break regardless of the season.  However, tailgating in winter is more dangerous, because it gives you very little time to react to a hazard.  For instance, if the car in front of you suddenly skids after hitting a patch of black ice, you probably won’t have time to react before your car also hits the ice.  Additionally, if the car in front of you brakes suddenly, you might not have enough time to react and could slide right into them.  If you want to avoid getting into an accident, you should make sure to leave ample space between your car and the car in front of you.

  • Slamming on the Brakes

Finally, you should avoid sudden and hard braking.  If you are traveling in wet, icy conditions, your tires are probably struggling to gain traction on the road.  When you slam on your brakes, the amount of wheel traction reduces, making it more likely for you to skid uncontrollably.  To avoid getting into a wreck or sliding right off the road, make sure you apply your brakes slowly and steadily if you want to slow down or come to a stop.

Avoid these habits this winter if you want to stay safe while driving.  Want another way to stay safe on the road?  Make sure you have the proper auto insurance protection in place.  To get the coverage you need, contact the professionals at Scautub Agency in Scotia, New York.  Our dedicated team is ready to assist you with all your insurance needs.