From the snow-covered mountains to the quaint small towns nestled in the hills with snow-covered rooftops, the winters in the most Eastern states can be gorgeous, but the snow can also cause some treacherous road conditions. Here are some tips from Stalwart Insurance in Pittsburgh, PA for safe winter driving in this beautiful state.
Before You Hit the Road
Before heading out on snow or ice-covered roads, be sure to let someone know where you will be traveling and take your cell phone with you. Be sure to fully charge your phone before you take off and stop at a nearby gas station to fill your tank, just in case you do get stranded. Throwing a blanket in the back of your vehicle is a good idea, also, in case your heater does not work, and you need to keep warm until help arrives.
Driving Uphill
Be sure to keep going as you drive uphill on snow or ice-covered roads and to keep your vehicle in high gear. That means, do not stop because if you do, you take a chance on you and your vehicle sliding back down the hill.
Downhill Driving
When traveling down a hill, keep your vehicle in a low gear to decrease your overall speed, and you will not have to use your brakes as often. Braking can cause sliding, which you will want to avoid.
Studded Tires
Studded tires will help keep you and your vehicle on the road and will assist you in climbing steep roads that head uphill.
Stay in Control
Do not use your vehicle’s cruise control feature when navigating snowy roads. If you do, you will not have as much control over the acceleration and deceleration of your vehicle, which you need when traveling on treacherous roads.
Use these tips to stay safe while enjoying your drive through beautiful landscapes. For more tips and to ensure you have proper insurance coverage, visit Stalwart Insurance in Pittsburgh, PA in person, or contact us online.
