‘Running off Road’ and ‘Driving too Fast for Conditions’ Cause Almost Half of All Fatal Crashes; I.I.I. Offers Winter Driving Tips
INSURANCE INFORMATION INSTITUTE
New York Press Office: (212) 346-5500; media@iii.org
Washington Press Office: (202) 833-1580
NEW YORK, December 21, 2009— Winter, which officially begins today, is a time when safe driving and well-maintained vehicles take on even greater importance, according to the
Insurance Information Institute (I.I.I.)
“Drivers should always avoid speeding, keep their tires properly inflated, and have their car’s brakes checked regularly. These steps are critical as motorists in many parts of the country prepare to combat snow, high winds and icy road conditions,” said Michael Barry, vice president, Media Relations, for the I.I.I.
The good news is that the number of overall U.S. traffic fatalities reported in 2008 hit its lowest level since 1961, and a statistical projection for the first six months of 2009 indicates that figure could drop again by year-end, according to an October 2009 National Highway Transportation Safety Administration (NHTSA) report.
However, “failure to keep in proper lane or running off the road” (28 percent) and “driving too fast for conditions” (22 percent) were the two most frequent driver behaviors reported prior to fatal accidents in 2007, NHTSA found, running well ahead of incidents in which the driver was “under the influence of alcohol, drugs or medication” (14 percent).
In order to avoid potentially dangerous situations until spring arrives in late March 2010, the I.I.I. offers the following winter driving tips:
- Give yourself enough time to arrive at your destination. Trips can take longer during winter than other times of the year, especially if you encounter storm conditions or icy roads.
- Bring a cellphoneso that those awaiting your arrival can get in touch with you, or you can notify them, if you are running late. But avoid the temptation of using the phone while driving, as it can be a dangerous distraction—pull over first.
- Drive slowly because accelerating, stopping and turning all take longer on snow-covered roads.
- Leave more distance than usual between your vehicle and the one just ahead of you, giving yourself at least 10 seconds to come to a complete stop. Cars and motorcycles usually need at least 3 seconds to halt completely even when traveling on dry pavement.
- Be careful when driving over bridges, as well as roadways rarely exposed to sunlight—they are often icy when other areas are not.
- Avoid sudden stops and quick direction changes.
- Be sure to keep your gas tank full. Stormy weather or traffic delays may force you to change routes or turn back. A fuller gas tank also averts the potential freezing of your car's gas-line.
- Keep windshield and windows clear. Drivers in cold-weather states should have a snow brush or scraper in their vehicle at all times. Your car's defroster can be supplemented by wiping the windows with a clean cloth to improve visibility.
- Do not activate your cruise control when driving on a slippery surface.
- Do not warm up a vehicle in an enclosed area, such as a garage.
- Keep your tires properly inflated and remember that good tread on your tires is essential to safe winter driving.
- Check your exhaust pipe to make sure it is clear. A blocked pipe could cause a leakage of carbon monoxide gas into your car when the engine is running.
- Monitor the weather conditions at your destination before beginning your trip. If conditions look as though they are going to be too hazardous, just stay home.
The I.I.I. is a nonprofit, communications organization supported by the insurance industry.