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Driving Tips for Every Minnesota Season
The Land of 10,000 Lakes is known for its magnificent scenery and outdoor activities. In fact, with so many lakes, it’s a wonder Minnesota has any room for roads! Yet, with 14,000 miles of highways throughout the state, drivers certainly have their place in Minnesota’s heart.
Much like Minnesota’s picturesque landscape, driving conditions can differ vastly depending on the season. Therefore, it's a good idea to prepare your car and your car insurance for driving conditions in every season.
Winter
One famous Minnesota invention, the snowmobile, is a reminder of the often-treacherous weather conditions Minnesota drivers can face. Although the seasons can tell you, to a certain point, when certain weather conditions are on their way, you never know when a sudden storm could leave you stranded in your car.
- Be prepared. Have tire treads, brakes and wipers checked.
- Slow down in bad driving conditions. (In extremely poor situations, you may not want to drive at all.)
- If you start to skid, don't hit the brakes. Ease off the accelerator and steer into the direction of the skid.
- Put together a winter car kit, containing: sand for traction, a small shovel for clearing snow, tire chains, a flashlight with fresh batteries, warm blankets or sleeping bag, and non-perishable food items.
Spring
Although the worst of it may be behind you, the remnants of winter are still common during the first few months of spring. The sun might be shining, yet thawing snow can create wet or icy road conditions. Even a small amount of water can mix with oil and grease to create slippery conditions.
- Slow down and increase your following distance in rainy or misty weather. Wet surfaces require 2 to 10 times more stopping distance than dry ones.
- Use your low beam headlights. Minnesota law requires that you use your low beams if your visibility is limited to 500 feet, or if there’s precipitation.
- Avoid large puddles, as they can affect your brakes and cause you to swerve.
Summer
Summer is a glorious season in Minnesota. The sun is shining, the boats are out, and Minnesotans are getting in touch with nature. Unfortunately, all this activity can also lead to an increase in traffic.
- Allow yourself plenty of time for your commute and avoid scheduling events at work or at home that may cause you to rush.
- Stay off your cell phone. If you need to make a phone call, use a hands-free device.
- Don’t drink and drive. Of course this is true all year, but with summer sun come more BBQs and more drunk drivers.
Fall
As summer comes to a close, the air gets crisper, the days get shorter, and driving hazards begin to increase. With fall come the first signs of winter: rain, frost, and ice. As the sun begins to set earlier, it’s important to drive cautiously and remain alert.
- Use caution when driving over leaves. Piles of fallen leaves may be fun to jump into, but they also retain large amounts of water and can create a slippery surface for vehicles.
- Look out for ice patches. Bridges and overpasses tend to freeze more quickly than roads and you can easily be caught off guard if you hit an icy patch.
- Be aware of changing sun patterns. A lower sun during your morning commute can cause a blinding glare, while an earlier sunset means you may be driving home after dark.
Reliable service
If you ever do need to file an auto insurance claim with Esurance, you can be sure it will be handled quickly and fairly and we'll get you back on the road fast! You can call our auto insurance claims center 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year. Your account is always available to you online, but if you have any questions, our customer service representatives are available round-the-clock too!
Start experiencing quality service and great rates on your Minnesota auto insurance by getting a quote from Esurance today!
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