For Under $30, You Can Drive More Safely This Winter
21 Gennaio 2010 - 4:00PM
PR Newswire (US)
MetLife Auto & Home® Provides Seven Low-Cost Tips and a Free
Driving-Safety Guide WARWICK, R.I., Jan. 21 /PRNewswire/ -- The
simple, everyday act of driving is dangerous any time of year, with
more than 5.5 million accidents in the U.S. in 2008 alone,
resulting in 34,000 deaths. The winter months can be even more
treacherous, presenting a host of additional hazards - rain, fog,
snow, ice, and sleet - that make winter driving more challenging,
especially in the northern U.S. While drivers can't control the
weather to make for smoother travels, they can take extra
precautions as the winter settles in to be best prepared to endure
winter driving challenges. "Just a few small precautions can make a
big difference when trying to navigate cold and wet roads," said
Rick Ward, director of auto claims at MetLife Auto & Home. "For
very little money, you can help ensure easier and safer travels
this winter. During these economic times, it's good to know that
there are things that don't cost much, but could ultimately help
you avoid a costly accident this winter." For less than $30,
drivers can stock up on necessities to get through the winter and
prepare their cars for the onslaught of cold evenings, icy or foggy
roads, and blinding snow conditions. Make sure your car is ready to
withstand the cold truths of winter weather. -- Cold weather can
cut the life of a battery in half. Buy a battery tester for less
than $1, and check the health of your battery to make sure you
won't be left stranded out in the cold. -- With temperatures sure
to dip below freezing in many states, drivers should check to see
if their antifreeze is at the recommended 50/50 ratio of antifreeze
to water to protect your car's cooling system from freezing. Buy an
antifreeze tester for less than $2. Optimize your car's performance
for winter driving. -- Properly inflated tires guarantee the best
possible contact with the road, giving drivers more control and
protecting against damage from potholes. Check your air pressure to
make sure it matches your tires' guidelines - especially to account
for decreasing air pressure as the temperature drops. Many gas
stations will give you free air when you purchase gas. -- With
winter storms creating rainy, snowy, icy, and freezing conditions,
windshield wipers that work improperly can severely reduce your
visibility and put you at risk for an accident. If your wipers are
leaving a streak across the windshield, it is time to invest in a
new pair. You can purchase winterized wiper-blade refills that are
designed to prevent ice and snow build-up for around $7. -- In
addition to having properly working wipers, make sure your
windshield washer fluid is topped off, and always carry an extra
gallon, which you can purchase for about $2. Spray from salted and
sanded roads can make it practically impossible to see. Always be
prepared for the worst. Put together a safety and comfort kit to
make sure you can weather the storm. -- A few items can mean all
the difference in getting back on the road safely. Purchase an ice
scraper and de-icer for about $2 to break up any ice that might be
obstructing your vision or clogging your locks. If your car is
stuck in snow or ice, have a folding snow shovel (around $7) and a
bag of cat litter (around $2) handy to dig yourself out and provide
traction for your tires on the slippery surface. -- If all else
fails and you are stranded in your car until rescue comes, be
prepared with a comfort kit. Most of the things you need can be
found in your house for free, such as old blankets, hats, and
gloves. In addition to these tips, MetLife Auto & Home offers
drivers a free guide called "In the Driver's Seat: About Driving
Safety," which provides useful information from the National Safety
Council, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, and
the Insurance Information Institute, to help people drive safely.
This guide is available by calling 1-800-638-5433 (MET-LIFE). The
MetLife Auto & Home companies, subsidiaries of MetLife, Inc.
(NYSE: MET), are collectively one of the nation's leading personal
lines property and casualty insurance providers, insuring over 3.8
million autos and homes. Their affiliate, MetLife®, is a leading
provider of insurance and financial services with operations
throughout the U.S. and Latin America, Europe, and Asia's Pacific
regions. For more information, please visit
http://www.metlife.com/. MetLife Auto & Home is a brand of
Metropolitan Property and Casualty Insurance Company and its
affiliates, Warwick, RI. Contact: Sarah Faria (401) 827-3906
DATASOURCE: MetLife CONTACT: Sarah Faria, +1-401-827-3906, Web
Site: http://www.metlife.com/
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