The holidays may be over, but winter is only beginning. The winter and early spring months may have us hoping for an early summer but before that happens, there are numerous snow days, cold fronts, and Nor’easters to endure. Winter storms can be incredibly dangerous if you are not in the safety of your home’s four walls. Of course, life happens – and sometimes, you find yourself on the road during or right after a storm (as we’ve seen in some recent news reports).
Why are winter storms so dangerous?
Winter storms are dangerous because sleet and snow can make roads incredibly slippery. This often causes traffic accidents that are difficult to avoid on busy roads and highways. When roads are icy, it does not matter how skilled of a driver you are, accidents happen. If your tires do not have the right amount of grip, you can find yourself sliding and rear-ending the vehicle in front of you. Did you know that 70% of injuries related to ice and snow occur in automobiles? The remaining are individuals who may find themselves outside and caught in the middle of the storm. Therefore, it is important to review some winter storm safety protocols and ensure your vehicle is properly equipped.
· Do you need to replace your tires?
· Should your tires have chains?
· Do you have a first aid kit in your car?
· Do you have blankets, water bottles, and non-perishable snacks to get you through several hours sitting in a traffic jam, if needed?
· How much gas does your car have? Try not to let it get too low if the weather is bad.
· Do you have a phone charger in your vehicle?
The answers to these questions will be specific to where you live and the kind of weather the storm is expected to bring, but important to keep in mind – nonetheless.
How to avoid damage and injury in the winter months
In the winter months, especially in the northern states of the US, it is best to avoid driving during a winter storm. Plan ahead and stock up on the essentials your family might need to get them through a few days. Heading out on the roads during or right after a storm is dangerous. A collision is a sure-fire way of causing windshield and other damage to your vehicle.
Once you are safely at home, how can you continue to keep your car out of harm's way? For one, avoid parking near any trees that can lose branches during a storm. If you have a garage, shed, or other covered parking available, consider parking your car there during the storm. The best way to avoid windshield damage is to protect the glass. If your driveway is not near any trees, you can place a windshield cover to prevent a large amount of snow and debris from collecting directly on the windshield glass. However, small chips and cracks can occur when the temperature changes drastically. When this happens, a windshield repair is often possible and cost-efficient.
If you find yourself with some post-storm damage, do not hesitate to contact your local Glass America. Our team of experienced operators will answer your questions, explain whether you need a windshield repair or windshield replacement, give you a quote, and schedule your appointment. With Glass America locations all around the country, there is an experienced technician not too far away and we are happy to offer our FREE mobile service and convenient scheduling to all of our customers.