Weather changes should require driving changes too

No question, nature can be awe-inspiring. But when rain, snow or ice storms hit, it can be plain
awful - especially when you're behind the wheel. Driving in rain, sleet and snow requires changes in your driving habits and an even greater reliance on defensive driving.

Staying safe during and after storms often begins with maintenance that goes beyond the usual - making sure your tires (including your spare), battery, exhaust system, wiper blades, brakes and steering are in top condition. If the weather's turning cold, you might want to put some additional items in your vehicle, including a shovel, jumper cables, salt or cat litter, tool and first-aid kits, flashlight, ice scraper, non-perishable energy food, and a blanket.

In cold weather, helping take care of your car means starting it two to three minutes before you plan to drive it - since racing a cold engine can cause damage - and turning on your defroster immediately, helping reduce the chance of a suddenly fogged windshield.

Because you can't maneuver on wet, snow-covered or icy pavement as well as you can on dry roads, safe driving techniques include slowing down, increasing your following distance, and avoiding changing lanes.

In addition, when starting a car on wet, icy or snow-covered pavement, consider:

• Using a light but steady touch on the gas pedal.
• Easing off on the gas if your wheels start to spin.
• Using sand, cat litter or a metal traction mat and the same light touch on the gas if you're stuck on ice.

Stranded motorists might want to stay with their vehicle unless they know where they are and know they can reach help. And then, they might want to leave a note explaining their direction and a phone number. Stranded motorists are also encouraged to tie a color cloth to the vehicle's antenna or hang one from the window as a signal for help.

In cold weather, you might also consider:

• Making sure your exhaust pipe is clear, and running the engine five to 10 minutes every hour, if your gas supply allows.
• Staying warm, but leaving a window cracked slightly to let fresh air in.

At Allstate, we want to not only provide the insurance coverage that helps protect your people and property, but to give you the peace of mind that comes from knowing you're backed by a team of Loss Control Consultants who understand your business and can help you prevent a loss before it happens.

That's why we've created the Allstate Safety Line at 800-877-6998, where Loss Control Consultants personally help small-business owners learn more about:

Just call us anytime with your contact information and briefly describe your question or issue. If a trained Loss Control Specialist isn't immediately available, one will call you back by the end of the next business day.