Now’s the time to get ready for winter driving hazards. Don’t wait until freezing temperatures arrive to shop for de-icer and an ice scraper – get them now so they’re ready when you need them.
Maintaining your tires is also an important part of preparing. Tires affect how your vehicle handles on roads made slippery by ice, snow, and rain. Get your tire pressure and tread depth checked and replace worn out tires.
If you must drive in wintery weather, give yourself plenty of time and keep an emergency kit in your vehicle in case you get stuck by ice and closed roads. The Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) recommends storing water, jumper cables, a flashlight, and blankets in your vehicle and keeping your gas tank at least half full.
If you get in trouble on the road:
- Reduce your speed.
- Pull onto the shoulder or a grassy area.
- Keep your car running.
- Turn on headlights and hazard lights so others can see you.
If you need help, call the Texas Roadside Assistance number on the back of your Texas Driver License at 800-525-5555. That connects you to DPS and they can dispatch a trooper to you. Just keep in mind that it could take the trooper a while to reach you in bad weather.
Learn about preparing for winter driving hazards in TDI's Texas Insurance Podcast.
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