Mercury Insurance Offers Winter Safety Guidelines for Navigating Rain and Snow

LOS ANGELES, Dec. 19, 2023 /PRNewswire/ — Winter road trips bring excitement but also potential risks, and Mercury Insurance, a leading insurance provider (NYSE: MCY), aims to equip drivers with essential tips to navigate challenges such as rain, snow, ice, and wind.

Kevin Quinn, Vice President of Auto Claims at Mercury Insurance, emphasizes the responsibility and caution required for driving during winter months. He provides valuable suggestions for those facing heavy rain:

1. Slow Down and Increase Following Distance: Exercise caution, reduce speed, and maintain a three-second driving gap for safety.

2. Use Proper Lighting: Ensure visibility by turning on headlights and tail lights without using high beams, which can illuminate the rain and hinder road visibility.

3. Handle Your Vehicle with Care: Avoid abrupt movements, grip the steering wheel with both hands, and stay in the middle lanes to minimize hydroplaning risks.

4. Defog Your Windows: Maximize visibility by defogging windows before and during the drive.

Driving through snow introduces additional challenges, and Quinn provides tips for safe winter driving:

1. Winterize Your Car: Address tire traction, consider winter tires, and keep an emergency kit with essential supplies accessible in your vehicle.

2. Remove Snow and Ice: Ensure clear visibility by removing all snow and ice from your vehicle before hitting the road.

3. Driving in Snow: Drive slower than normal, use AWD or 4WD if available, and leave extra distance between cars.

4. Check Rearview Mirror: Always check your mirrors when changing speeds to prevent rear-end collisions.

5. Respect Snowplows: Maintain a safe distance from snowplows to avoid impaired visibility.

6. Be on the Lookout for Black Ice: Exercise caution, especially at night, as thawed snow may refreeze and create black ice.

7. Avoid Cruise Control: In wintry conditions, refrain from using cruise control for quicker reaction time.

Before embarking on any winter road trip, ensure your auto insurance is up to date and your car is winterized. With proper preparation, cautious driving, and reliable coverage, drivers can confidently navigate winter weather.

For additional driving safety tips, visit Mercury Insurance’s resources on winterizing your vehicle and general driving safety. For more information about Mercury Insurance, visit www.MercuryInsurance.com or follow the company on Twitter or Facebook.

SOURCE Mercury Insurance