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GEICO urges drivers to play it safe in the snow and ice during winter months


driving in winter (select to view enlarged photo)

WASHINGTON--Dec. 20, 2013: Now that the winter season is in full swing with snow and freezing rain, GEICO advises travelers take a few specific precautions before hitting the road this holiday season.

Take the time to winterize your car. Make sure the car battery, fluid levels, lights, windshield wipers, tires and brakes have all been checked before driving the car. Don’t let your gas tank get close to empty. You don’t want to run out if you get stuck in traffic – or a snow bank. Check your headlights and tail lights. Make sure your lights are clean to provide more visibility during dark winter days. No texting and driving. You should only use your cell phone in case of an emergency – and then you should pull safely over to the side of the road to use it. Get some rest. Before you start your journey, be sure to get plenty of sleep so that you can stay alert for traffic pattern changes, stopped vehicles and deer crossings. Slow down. You should try to maintain a following distance of three seconds between you and the vehicle in front of you. You should avoid cutting in front of trucks and braking suddenly, as they need more room to stop.

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), two of the most frequent driver behaviors that cause accidents are failure to keep in proper lane, or “running off the road,” and driving too fast for conditions. With extreme weather conditions happening in some parts of the country, it’s important for drivers to take precautionary measures while driving this winter season.

GEICO has provided several important safety tips for all drivers during the winter months: please visit Winter Weather Driving Tips in GEICO’s Safety Information Center. And for brochures, tips, videos and more information on safe driving, visit the GEICO Auto Safety section on Geico.