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November 08, 2017 01:00 AM

Allstate: 1/3 of U.S. drivers 'stressed' about winter driving

Tire Business Staff
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    Allstate Insurance Co. photo

    NORTHBROOK, Ill. — More than a third of U.S. drivers surveyed recently by Allstate Insurance Co. admit wet winter driving conditions stress them out, with nearly half saying they are concerned by the prospect.

    Allstate's findings are viewed as particularly salient because the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) is predicting an especially wet winter for much of the country, including wetter-than-average conditions across most of the northern U.S.

    To determine the precipitation-based rankings, Allstate researchers use a predictive model that standardizes the rankings to account for the fact that weather conditions affect road safety and vary dramatically across the U.S.

    While the Allstate survey found that only a quarter (26 percent) of American drivers feel confident in their winter driving abilities, 92 percent said they take active steps to better prepare themselves for slick roads, including increasing following distance behind another vehicle (78 percent) and checking the weather before heading out (70 percent).

    According to the NOAA, preparations like these are key to navigating potentially harsh conditions.

    "NOAA shares advanced seasonal outlooks to help communities prepare for what's likely to come in the next few months and minimize the winter weather's impact on lives and livelihoods," said Mike Halpert, deputy director of the NOAA's Climate Prediction Center.

    "Empowering people with actionable forecasts and winter weather tips is key to NOAA's efforts in building a weather-ready nation," he said.

    Glenn Shapiro, Allstate's chief claims officer, said, "As part of Allstate's safe-driving legacy, we're shining a light on our country's safest drivers and helping communities across the country stay vigilant on the road, especially during winter and the holiday travel season.

    Allstate graphic

    "Just as you would grab an umbrella or coat when heading out the door, Allstate encourages everyone to take the appropriate precautions to ensure they arrive at their destinations safely."

    To help keep precipitation from causing a collision, Allstate offers these tips:

    • Do a systems check: Make sure your headlights and brake lights are in working condition, along with tires, heater, defroster, brakes and windshield wipers, and that you have enough windshield washer fluid.
    • Play it safe: Don't drive through standing water on roads or in parking lots — it can stall your engine. Take an alternate route.
    • Take it easy: Give yourself extra time to get where you're going. Increasing following distance, traveling at slower speeds and accounting for the extra stopping time will help avoid collisions.
    • Stay alert: Give the road your undivided attention. That's especially important with slick streets and potentially dangerous conditions.
    • Don't panic: If your vehicle begins to slide or skid, don't slam on the brakes. Look down the road in the direction you want to go and gently steer your vehicle that way. Release the accelerator until traction returns.
    • Have an emergency kit: Include the tools you will need to protect yourself should a problem arise. Gloves, boots, blankets, flares, water, jumper cables, a flashlight and something for traction, such as sand or cat litter, are all helpful items to have in the car.
    • Party smart: Especially during the busy holiday travel season, including one of the most deadly days on the road — New Year's Day — Allstate strongly urges drivers to plan ahead and always find a sober ride home before partaking in holiday festivities.

    Allstate did not ask any specific questions regarding the use of winter and/or all-season tires, but a company spokesman said this was the first year for this survey and would consider that option in the future.

    Most tire makers recommend the use of winter tires in regions where temperatures fall below 45 degrees F on a consistent basis.

     

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