Bad weather is just around the corner and preparation for winter is necessary so that we can enjoy it with driving safety. Drivers in Greece are quite lucky because they do most of their driving in good weather conditions. But they must be especially careful when bad weather arrives. Even experienced drivers can’t seem to drive competently on wet, icy or snowy roads. Our roads can become dangerous when snow and ice become compacted or when rainfall is very heavy.
PREPARATION FOR WINTER – DRIVING BEHAVIOR
For winter driving, we remind you to:
- Drive at lower speeds than usual and keep leave enough room between your car and the vehicle in front because when the road is snowy or slippery, every second counts.
- Drive slowly when small or large puddles of water have formed on the road, and getting out of them, carefully test whether your brakes are working.
- In snow or slippery roads drive at a slower speed, and if you get stuck on snow, “one gear up” can help you get out by making light and gentle movements of the accelerator, brakes and steering wheel so that you don’t lose control of the vehicle.
- Don’t panic if you lose control. Steer gently and avoid hard braking.
PREPARATION FOR WINTER – VEHICLE
No matter how good a driver you are, it is not enough if you have not properly prepared your means of transport.
- In addition to the excellent maintenance of your vehicle, you should check your tires, both for pressure and for any damage. (The tread depth should not be less than 1.6mm, the frame and sides should not have the slightest deformation, and the wear on the tread should be uniform.)
- Check the correct operation of your vehicle’s lights and indicators.
- Make sure the radiator is working properly and add antifreeze, also to the windshield washer system.
- The good condition of the wipers is also necessary to see clearly through the windshield. Wiper blades wear out from the sun and dust, losing their elasticity. It is a good idea to replace them in the winter with good quality blades.
- In the luggage compartment, you should always have a pair of chains compatible with the size of the car’s wheels, as well as a flashlight, gloves, reflective vest, triangle, first aid kit, fire extinguisher, antifreeze, ice scraper and jump leads.
In fact, although we are told to drive only if necessary, many times there is a need to drive under adverse conditions to get somewhere.
To be safe, consider the following:
- Plan your trip with alternate routes should you get stuck.
- Don’t rush; make sure you leave enough time for your journey.
- Listen to traffic reports.
- Keep the fuel tank full to avoid running out in the event of a standstill.
- Let people know that you are traveling and let them know your arrival time and your travel route.
- If local authorities advise you not to travel, seriously consider traveling and whether it is really necessary!
- If your trip is long, you should be informed of the weather forecast and have water, dry food and blankets with you.
Don’t think all this is too much. Better to have them than regret not having them.
Our insurance office wishes you a good, safe winter and never forget “ALCOHOL and MOBILE PHONES do not go together with driving”.
Contact us by clicking here to discuss your insurance needs!