Updates
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Travel in Winter WeatherFebruary 08, 2021
Winter weather is here! While the safest bet during winter weather is to stay off the roads, some travel may be necessary. If you have to be on the road in such conditions, there are some things you can do to prepare for potential hazards:
- Allow for extra travel time.
- Travel at a safe speed, and leave plenty of room between you and other cars.
- Clear all surfaces of your car before you embark on your journey.
- Be sure your cell phone is fully charged. Bring a charger along if you have one that works in the car.
- Tell someone where you are going and how long you expect it to take you.
- Make sure you have a full tank of gas in case you do become stranded.
- Do not leave your vehicle if you become stranded. Tie a bright colored cloth to your antenna or door handle and attempt to contact emergency personnel via cell phone if you have one.
- If stranded, drivers should start and run their car for 10 minutes every hour, using the heater. Be sure that your exhaust pipe and radiator are clear of packed snow before running your engine. While the engine is running, partially open a down-wind window to avoid carbon monoxide poisoning and to get fresh air into the vehicle. Keep the vehicle’s interior lights on while the engine is running. Avoid hypothermia by constantly moving your arms and legs; clapping hands will help keep you warm as well. Warning signs of hypothermia are memory loss, disorientation, incoherence, slurred speech, drowsiness, exhaustion and uncontrollable shivering.
This information is meant to be a broad overview and should not be the only source you consult for evaluating your risk management needs. Adherence to the above guidelines does not ensure coverage under your policy, nor does it guarantee your risk will be accepted by our company or that your property or operations are safe, healthful, or in compliance with laws, rules, or regulations. Coverage is determined by specific policy provisions, limitations and exclusions that can only be expressed in the policy itself.