Following a few tips can keep you, your family, and your vehicle safe in poor driving conditions.
Key Takeaways
- Winterize your car with antifreeze, battery checks, winter tires, and wiper fluid suited for freezing conditions.
- Check weather forecasts, choose safer routes, and allow extra travel time.
- Reduce your speed, maintain extra following distance, and avoid sudden movements.
- Carry an emergency kit, keep your phone charged, and stay off the roads during severe winter weather.
It’s no secret that New York winters can get pretty bad. Driving in the winter is never fun, and according to recent information from the U.S. Department of Transportation, 21% of vehicle crashes in the nation (approximately 1.23 million) result from adverse weather conditions, including snow, sleet, and ice.
As if that weren’t bad enough, winter-related driving injuries accumulate to nearly 100,000 on an annual basis. That’s a lot of insurance claims, and unless you’re carrying the proper amount of auto insurance coverage, you could find yourself drowning in overwhelming financial liability.
So, what can you do to keep yourself (and your wallet) safe on the roads when that fluffy white stuff and its evil siblings start to cover them?
Read on to learn our tips and preparation strategies for New York drivers in the winter.
#1: Prepare Your Vehicle
First things first: You’ll need to get your car winter-ready before venturing onto New York’s winter roads.
Start by winterizing your car with the following tasks:
- Check the antifreeze levels, which prevent the engine from freezing in low temperatures.
- Make sure your battery is in good condition, as cold weather can weaken it, making it harder to start your car.
- Top off your engine oil, as a well-lubricated engine performs better in the cold.
Next, consider using winter tires that are designed to handle snow and icy conditions to provide better traction, reducing your chances of slipping or losing control.
Lastly, pay attention to visibility. Check your wipers and washer fluid. Replace your wiper blades if they’re worn out and fill up with winter-grade washer fluid that won’t freeze. Snow and road salt can quickly cover your windshield, so you’ll need reliable wipers and fluid to see the road.
#2: Plan Ahead
It sounds simple, but making the conscious effort to plan ahead can make winter driving in New York safer and less stressful.
Start with the easy stuff: Check the weather forecast before you head out. Staying informed on current and upcoming conditions can help you anticipate hazards like heavy snow, freezing rain, or icy roads.
Knowing what to expect means you can prepare mentally and physically for a slower, cautious drive.
It’s also wise to plan your route ahead of time, especially in bad weather. Use GPS or map apps to find safer routes with less congestion or that are more likely to be plowed and salted.
Some apps even alert you to road closures, accidents, or areas where you can expect delays in severe conditions.
You’ll also want to allow extra time for your trip. It can be an easy thing to forget, but safe winter driving that accounts for proper following and stopping distances should add more time onto your expected ETA.
When you plan ahead for slower speeds and delays, you can avoid feeling rushed and focus on navigating New York’s winter roads with care.
#3: Practice Safe Driving Techniques
Adopting safe driving techniques can help you avoid accidents when driving on New York’s icy or snowy winter roads.
Start by reducing your speed. Snow and ice make roads slippery. Unless you’ve equipped those winter tires we talked about earlier, your car will be more susceptive to slips and slides.
Slowing down gives you more control and reduces the risk of skidding or sliding when stopping or turning.
Don’t forget about following distance. A three-second gap is enough in ideal conditions, but on icy roads, a six- to eight-second gap is safer. This extra space gives you more time to stop if the car in front of you brakes suddenly, helping you avoid rear-end collisions.
You’ll also want to avoid sudden movements when driving. Brake gently to prevent skidding, and turn slowly to keep from sliding out of your lane. If you feel like your car is starting to fishtail, steer gently toward the skid to regain control.
These techniques can help you stay safe, calm, and in control on winter roads.
#4: Be Prepared for Emergencies
Winter driving in New York can be unpredictable at best, so creating strategies and contingency plans in case things go wrong is a safe way to stay prepared for emergencies.
Start by packing an emergency kit in your car. Include essentials like blankets to stay warm if you get stranded, a flashlight for visibility, a first aid kit for minor injuries, and non-perishable food and water in case it takes time for help to arrive.
That may sound ridiculous as you read this from the comfort of your smartphone or computer screen, but these items will make a huge difference if you find yourself stuck in extreme cold. Remember: The key is to plan ahead.
Always keep your phone fully charged before you set out. In an emergency, a charged phone can be your lifeline for calling roadside assistance or sharing your location.
It’s also important to know when to stay off the roads completely. If a severe storm is forecast or conditions are especially icy, it’s often safer to postpone your trip.
Waiting for better conditions can help you avoid hazardous situations and stay safe during New York’s challenging winter months.
#5: Understand Winter Driving Insurance Considerations
Winter driving can increase the risk of accidents, so you’ll want to read up on your insurance coverage. Common options for winter-related incidents include collision insurance, which can help you cover repair costs if you damage your car in a crash, and comprehensive coverage, which often covers damage from winter storms, like fallen branches or hail.
Documenting the scene can help streamline your claim if you get into a winter accident. Take clear photos of the damage, road conditions, and any other relevant details.
Exchange contact and insurance information with the others in the accident, and file a police report if necessary. Good documentation supports your claim and helps avoid disputes.
Get the Insurance Coverage You Need With Help From NICRIS
Sometimes, no matter how much you plan and prepare, things just go wrong, and driving on New York’s snowy roads is no exception.
Staying protected with the right insurance plan is key to keeping yourself out of financial trouble and retaining the peace of mind you’ll need when you’re gliding 15 miles an hour under the speed limit on several inches of snow on a busy New York street.
NICRIS Insurance is here to help. Reach out to us today for a custom quote, guidance on your current policy, or to simply learn more about staying safe on New York’s wintery roads!