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60% of American Drivers Do Not Prepare Their Cars for Winter Weather


winter driving

Elephant Auto Insurance shares new winter driving guides to help drivers get prepared

RICHMOND, VA -- Feb. 16, 2015: In light of the impending snow storms slatted to hit the area, it is important that drivers take note of potentially dangerous driving conditions that may develop. Winter can be an enjoyable time of the year; however, with 70% of U.S. roads located in snowy regions - averaging more than five inches of snowfall annually - it can also be a treacherous time of the year for drivers if simple precautions are not taken.

Elephant Auto Insurance recently polled drivers and discovered some surprising statistics around winter driving preparation:

60% of drivers do not do anything different to prepare their cars for winter driving

However, 70% of respondents agree that winterizing your vehicle is important

Of those polled, 50% of drivers age 25-34 do take steps to winterize their vehicles

65% of drivers age 55-64 do not take the necessary steps to get their vehicles winter ready

Drivers in the Midwest and Northeast are more likely to prepare their cars for winter driving

The Federal Highway Administration (FHA) states that snowfall and sleet account for approximately 225,000 crashes a year, which is 15% of all weather related crashes annually. With nearly 71,000 people a year injured during snowfall or sleet on U.S. roads, according to the FHA, taking the time to prepare yourself for winter driving could be the difference in becoming a statistic.

"Unfortunately we do see incidents that might have been avoided had precautionary steps been taken," Brian Wakefield, Director of Operations at Elephant, explained. "Seeing these results shows there's still an opportunity to increase driver safety and awareness. We recommend drivers read our guides and videos to see how easy some of these steps are that can make drivers safer on the roads, especially during winter months."

Elephant's new winter driving guides provide helpful tips and easy techniques drivers can follow to stay safe on the roads this winter. Elephant advises that you stay indoors during winter weather, but if driving is essential remember to stay calm and be prepared for anything. Before you travel, Elephant recommends you review their winter driving guides, which features tips and videos guides on how to minimize risk and stay safe on the roads.