Winter Readiness: Tips for Safe Driving
Indiana winter weather is unpredictable. Snow, ice, freezing rain, and rapid temperature changes create conditions where small oversights can turn into costly claims.
Claims data consistently show that worn tires are a factor in more winter accidents than road conditions alone. Vehicles slide through intersections, into curbs, and into other cars because they cannot stop in time. According to the Federal Highway Administration, a significant share of weather-related crashes occur at low speeds, where traction and braking ability matter most and during day-to-day commuting, not just severe storms.
Tires Matter More Than Anything Else
After you check your tires, don’t forget your wiper blades, headlights, fluids, and battery. Worn wiper blades, frozen washer fluid, and cloudy headlights reduce reaction time in already challenging conditions. Cold temperatures reduce battery performance and increase breakdowns. Disabled vehicles in winter conditions create both safety hazards and liability exposure.
Underinsured Drivers Increase Winter Risk
It’s not just your vehicle you need to be aware of; other drivers, especially uninsured and underinsured drivers, are a risk as well. The Insurance Research Council shows that approximately 14% of drivers nationwide are uninsured.3 When limits are exhausted, Uninsured and Underinsured Motorist coverage becomes critical.
Here is the bottom line:
If you have questions or want to make sure you’re properly protected, we offer complimentary insurance reviews. Call or text us at 765-838-2781.
References:
- Federal Highway Administration (FHWA). Weather-Related Crash Statistics.
- FHWA Office of Safety. Crash Factors and Driving Conditions.
- Insurance Research Council. Uninsured and Underinsured Motorists: 2023 Update.