Easterns Blog

** Avoid during treacherous winter storms if possible but if you must travel, proceed with caution.

• Make sure your car is serviced and ready to go. The best thing to do is make sure your vehicle is in the best possible condition to drive. It is extremely important to check everything under the hood like your battery as well as breaks and tires.
• Know Your Vehicle. Practice makes perfect. Be sure to spend time with your vehicle ? learn where your hazard lights are in case of an emergency. Get familiar with not only the safety features and breaking system but also how it will handle in various weather conditions. It?s very important to know how vehicle car will respond to bad weather because you are in full control as the driver. The best thing to do is practice is an empty parking lot so you will be ready for the highway.
• Clean Up. Please be sure to clean off all snow or ice that is on your car. Do not drive your car without cleaning it properly because the debris left on your car can fly off and damage another car or an innocent pedestrian. As a driver, it?s also important to have clear windows and mirrors to see out of.
• Be Prepared. Make sure your vehicle has the essential items in case of an emergency. It?s very important to always prepare for the worst so you are never left without anything that you need. Be sure your vehicle has an Emergency Winter Driving kit with the following items:
  • Ice Scraper
  • Snow Shovel
  • Jumper Cables
  • Flashlight
  • Flares
  • Blankets
  • First Aid Kit
  • Clothes
  • Cell Phone Charger
  • Bottled Water
  • Snacks
  • Medication (If Needed)
• Plan Ahead. Know your destination and leave early to allow extra travel time. Winter weather often causes unforeseen delays and traffic. Using a GPS is the best way to provide you with the best route to take and provide information about tolls, accidents, and rest stops along the way.
• Stay Alert. Drive slowly during bad weather conditions because it is much more difficult to control a fast moving vehicle when the roads are slick. Slowing down your speed can definitely reduce the odds of rear ending someone because you will have plenty of time to stop, if necessary. Do not use cruise control during winter weather because it can cause your vehicle to accelerate when it doesn?t need to. This can lead to serious accidents.
• Protect Yourself & Your Loved Ones. Always wear your seat beat and ensure that everyone else in your vehicle is doing the same. Make sure all children are positioned correctly in properly in booster and car seats that are properly installed. Children should be dressed warm and should never be left unattended in vehicle during any circumstance. Use the child lock to prevent a child from accidentally escaping the vehicle.
• Be Smart. Do not text or operate a cell phone while driving a vehicle. Pay attention and obey all signs and speed limits. Watch out for other drivers that may be driving recklessly. Driving requires immense skill and judgment so it is imperative to drive sober without the use of drugs or alcohol. The life you save may be your own.