You don’t have to carry a detail bag to be concerned about winter driving safety. An estimated 52 percent of car accidents occur within five miles of a person’s home, and 77 percent occur within 15 miles or fewer, according to Progressive Insurance. <link> Winter conditions cause more traffic jams, route changes and increase the risks associated with drivers who don’t add time to their commutes during storms. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration provides resources to help be better prepared when winter weather sets in.
Source: NHTSA.gov. Link. Carry items in your vehicle to handle common winter driving-related tasks, such as cleaning off your windshield, as well as any supplies you might need in an emergency. Keep the following in your vehicle:
- Snow shovel, broom, and ice scraper.
- Abrasive material such as sand or kitty litter, in case your vehicle gets stuck in the snow.
- Jumper cables, flashlight, and warning devices such as flares and emergency markers.
- Blankets for protection from the cold.
- A cell phone with charger, water, food, and any necessary medicine (for longer trips or when driving in lightly populated areas).
INSIGHTS: We would add this to the list: refill the fuel tank when it is half full.