OKLAHOMA – Icy and slick roads make winter one of the most dangerous seasons for driving. On average there are about half a million car accidents every year, according to the Federal Highway Administration (FHA), and 21% of those are weather-related.
“The uptick in claims we see during the winter is staggering,” said Gary Buckner, executive vice president and general manager of Oklahoma Farm Bureau Insurance. “Being prepared when driving in the winter is half the battle. If you are prepared, the risk of an accident can go down significantly.”
Oklahoma Farm Bureau Insurance is offering the following tips to use when driving this winter:
Prepare a winter emergency kit. This kit will ensure you are ready for the unexpected. It should include, at minimum, water and snacks, jumper cables, a flashlight, an ice scraper, gloves and road salt. For a full list of items we recommend, check out our roadside emergency kit checklist on our website.
Inspect your car. Take a few minutes to inspect your vehicle. Tire pressure can deflate in cold weather, so check tire levels before beginning a commute. Worn windshield wipers can make driving riskier in the winter, so check to see if your windshield wipers are working properly and replace if needed. For more info, check out our list of car maintenance tips to help prepare your car for winter.
Check the road and weather conditions. Road closures are common when the weather is snowy or icy. Be sure to check road conditions and the weather forecast before leaving your destination. This can help you avoid less-than-ideal road conditions and keep your route as safe as possible.
Get roadside assistance coverage. It is good to know if your current auto insurance carrier covers roadside assistance. It could help cover some of the costs associated with towing, gas, changing a flat tire and more. If you are an OKFB policyholder or member, you are already covered with free Roadside Rescue.
Drive with caution. Reduce speed, leave extra distance between your vehicle and others, brake sooner than normal and be aware of your surroundings. When driving in wet, icy or muddy conditions, more caution and care is needed to be safe.
Oklahoma weather can be unpredictable. Ensure your vehicle is covered for all things unexpected and use these tips to drive safely this winter.
About Oklahoma Farm Bureau Insurance
Oklahoma Farm Bureau Insurance is proudly celebrating 75 years of serving Oklahomans. Since 1946, OKFB Insurance has worked to protect Oklahomans from the risks they face every day, whether it be home, auto, life, commercial or farm & ranch. With agents in all 77 counties, we are ready to serve our neighbors at a moment’s notice and are committed to helping our 140,000+ member families to insure their future. To learn more, visit https://okfbinsurance.com.
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