Rainy Season Tips - Tornado Safety - Winter Weather Tips

Spring showers bring flowers and green grass. Unfortunately, the showers also bring a new set of challenges on the road. Here are a number of safety tips to remember when taking to the road in the spring.

Driving in fog or heavy rain can make it difficult to see other vehicles or pedestrians on the road. A dirty windshield creates extra road glare and further reduces visibility. Make sure you have plenty of windshield washer solvent in your car. The solvent works better than plain water to cut stubborn dirt and grime. Also, use low-beam headlights and keep the defroster going to clear windows of condensation.

Slow Down-Reducing speed allows more time to negotiate turns and stop safely. You may try following the taillights of another vehicle to help guide you, but remember to stay a safe distance behind the other vehicle. If visibility becomes so bad that it's hard to drive, completely pull off the road and turn your flashers on to warn other drivers that you have stopped.

Driving in the Rain-Road surfaces become slick when it starts to rain. Rain, mixed with oil and dirt deposits that build on the road, dramatically reduce tire traction. Here are some ways to overcome the perils rain showers can bring:

Slow down as soon as it starts to rain, especially around curves. Avoid sudden moves, such as jerking the steering wheel or stomping on the brake pedal.

Increase your distance from the vehicle you are following. Stay one car length behind for every ten miles per hour your are traveling. For example, if you are traveling 60 mph, keep about six car lengths between you and the car in front of you.

Turn on the windshield wipers and headlights. Use washer fluid to clean any film or scum from your windows.

Watch for flooded areas, such as bridge underpasses. Water can splash on the engine and cause it to stall. If you must drive through deep water, slow down to reduce the chances of getting the engine wet. Any time you have driven through deep water, make sure you check your brakes. Apply the brakes lightly several times to dry them out and make sure they are working properly.

For the best traction, tires should have at least 1/8 of an inch of tread. This reduces the chances of hydroplaning (when tires skid on water rather than grip the road). Also make sure your tires are properly inflated.
Carry an Emergency Road Kit - You never know when you might be stranded. Always have the following useful items available:

The information is provided as a service of Erie Insurance Group
and your local ERIE Agent:

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Rainy Season Tips - Tornado Safety - Winter Weather Tips

Protect Yourself and Your Family

Spring and Summer is time for Tornado Season. Knowing what to do and how to prepare just may save the life of you and your family. Know the difference between a
"Watch" and a "Warning"...

A tornado Watch means conditions are conducive to the development of a tornado.

A tornado Warning means a tornado has actually been sighted by spotters or indicated on radar and is occurring in the warning area.

Tornado Facts:

Determine your insurance coverage now. In addition to high winds, rain and floods are some- times associated with tornados. However, damage caused by floods and high wind peril are covered differently under every policy. Find out more about your policy-contact your insurance Agent.

Develop a family disaster plan that includes the following:

When a tornado warning has been issued, you may have very little time to prepare. How you respond is critical.

In Your Home

Seek shelter in the lowest level of your home (basement or storm cellar). If there is no basement, go to an inner hallway, a smaller inner room, or a closet. Keep away from all windows. Cover your head and eyes to protect yourself from flying debris and broken glass.
Keep pets on a leash or in a carrier.

In A Car or Outdoors

If a tornado is headed your way, stay as calm as you can and assess the situation. Your best option may be to lie flat in a ditch or other low lying area that is of sufficient depth to provide protection from the wind. Do not attempt to get into your car to "escape" or outrun a tornado. Protect yourself and your family; practice in advance what to do if a tornado does strike.

The information is provided as a service of Erie Insurance Group
and your local ERIE Agent.

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Rainy Season Tips - Tornado Safety - Winter Weather Tips

Many people don't enjoy winter. Nearly everyone dislikes winter driving. Erie Insurance Group has collected a variety of tips on being prepared for the snow, ice and slush:

** Tires
Your car should have all season or winter tread tires on the drive axle.

** Wipers
Replace windshield wiper blades if they smear or don't completely clear the window.

** Under the Hood
Have a qualified mechanic check the condition of your battery, cables, radiator hoses or belts.

** Headlights
Always keep your headlights and taillights clear of snow, and completely clear snow from the windows.

** Carry a Spare
Have the pressure checked regularly in your spare tire.

** Road Conditions
Freezing road surfaces can be extremely dangerous. In many places the road can be dry, however, bridges and overpasses often freeze with the slightest amount of moisture.

** Stopping
Begin coming to a stop sooner than usual and, if you don't have antilock brakes, gently pump the break pedal for increased control. This will keep your wheels from locking. If you do have antilock, apply firm, continuous pressure to the brake pedal.

** Starting
Use light foot pressure on the gas pedal when accelerating from a stop. This will give your vehicle much better traction and make it easier to get the car moving on ice and snow.

** Hills
When approaching hills, try to gather momentum slowly. Leave plenty of room between you and the vehicle you're following so you don't have to slow or stop on a hill. When you reach the top try to slow the vehicle so you maintain a constant speed as you go down the other side.

** Stuck
If you get stuck, a 25 pound bag of sand, salt or kitty litter will do the trick. Keep a bag in the car. Spread the material on the ground around the tires for added traction. You can also use a shovel to clear a path. Remember, spinning your tires only digs you in deeper. It's best to gently rock your car back and forth, keeping the wheels pointed straight ahead.

** Stranded
If the worst happens and you find yourself stranded with help possibly hours away, follow these guidelines:

** Slow and steady
is the best way to get where you are going during inclement weather. Take curves at a crawl. Don't do anything too fast. Use gentle pressure on the brakes and accelerator and turn the steering wheel gradually.

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