New driver winter weather driving tips

Are you a new driver or new to driving in winter conditions?
​
In addition to ensuring your vehicle is winter-ready, your gas tank is full, and you have all needed emergency supplies, here are seven important tips to remain safe on the road:

• If possible, practice with an experienced driver in a wide open space or parking lot in winter weather during the day to get used to handling your vehicle in wintery conditions.
• Be familiar with where the defrosters are and know to use them and/or lower the windows slightly when any moisture in the car causes the windows to start fogging.
• Know where the vehicle registration and insurance information are, and keep your driver's license easily accessible.
• If you have a car key (vs. a fob), and the car lock is frozen, spray the key with hand sanitizer to help work it into the lock and unfreeze it.
• Preferably, use a location detection  device or share your location with someone you know.  Alternatively, check in with someone before you head out and let them know once you reach your destination.
• Watch for slick areas on the road, which could be black ice, and be especially watchful on bridges, overpasses, and shady areas.
• Extend your distance between you and the vehicle in front of you to give you more time to react to any sudden changes.
• When driving in wintery conditions, slow down to AT LEAST half the normal speed to maintain control and prevent skidding and turn on your hazard lights to alert others you're going slower.
• If you start sliding, don't panic and hit the brakes hard.  Keep your eyes on the road ahead, take your foot off the gas, slowly turn your steering wheel in the direction the back of the vehicle is going without jerking or overcorrecting. (Overcorrecting is a common mistake and may cause an uncontrollable spin.)
• Maintain situational awareness by looking ahead down the road as well as scanning left and right to increase your response time.

Do you remember what coverage you have on your vehicle?  Talk with your agent to ensure you're adequately covered before you head out into the weather.