Icy roads are one of winter’s biggest dangers. Fortunately, you can take simple steps to keep you safer.
Change Your Tires
If cold, icy winters are common in your area, swap your regular tires for snow tires to gain more control. Snow tires have more contact edges than normal tires, allowing them to grip the road better. Also, the rubber on snow tires stays pliable in low temperatures, which helps provide better traction.
Drive Cautiously
- Think gradual. Quick movements, such as fast acceleration or sudden turns, have little effect on icy roads—you just spin your wheels or continue in the same direction. Slow your motions so your vehicle has time to respond. Brake gradually, too: Slamming on the brakes, even antilock brakes, can cause your car to slide. To give yourself enough time to brake, allow up to 10 times the normal distance between your car and the car ahead of you.
- Slow Down. Remember that posted speed limits are for ideal driving conditions. If the roads are icy, reduce your speed to reduce the risk of getting in an accident.
- Correction. If your car starts to skid or slide, take your foot off the gas. Slowly turn the wheel in the direction you want the car to travel. If your vehicle has antilock brakes, apply firm pressure until you regain control. You can steer during this maneuver. As your car spins, work to regain a neutral steering position. You have more control when your tires face the same direction.
Know the Roads
To stay ahead of icy roads, know when and where ice forms. Any winter precipitation can cause ice, as can sudden temperature changes. “Black ice” (a thin, almost invisible coat) is most likely to form on intersections, bridges, overpasses, underpasses and ramps. For more about dealing with black ice, follow this advice from MetLife Auto & Home.
Be Aware of Other Drivers
Driving slowly offers some protection from other drivers, but be sure to keep an eye on the cars ahead of and behind you. If you see brake lights ahead, slow down. If a driver follows closely behind your vehicle, keep a slow pace to force him or her to do the same.
These tips were brought to you by the Union Plus Auto and Home Insurance program. Drivers saved an average of $586* a year on their auto insurance when switching to MetLife Auto & Home®.
Take advantage of the Union Plus Auto and Home Insurance Program by calling 855-666-5797 today. Remember to mention your discount code: DJ7.
*Savings based on our 2018 countrywide research of new call center customers’ annual average savings in 2017. Statistics do not reflect sales of the product sold on MetLife Auto & Home MyDirectSM.
Group Discounts are filed on an individual basis in MA and may not be available as part of MetLife Auto & Home's benefit offering.
MetLife Auto & Home is a brand of Metropolitan Property and Casualty Insurance Company and its affiliates: Economy Preferred Insurance Company, Metropolitan Casualty Insurance Company, Metropolitan Direct Property and Casualty Insurance Company, Metropolitan General Insurance Company, Metropolitan Group Property and Casualty Insurance Company and Metropolitan Lloyds Insurance Company of Texas, all with administrative home offices in Warwick, RI. Coverage, rates and discounts and policy features vary by state and product, and are available in most states to those who qualify. Met P&C®, MetCasSM and MetGenSM are licensed in the state of MN.
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Slick streets? Take precautions! These tips can help improve your safety.