Winter Driving Safety Tips

(ARA) - Many consumers consider winter driving as a key factor in deciding to purchase an SUV. This is understandable considering the size, durability and sense of security they offer in the face of poor weather conditions. But with winter upon us, the Esuvee Safety Campaign (www.esuvee.com) reminds drivers that these qualities also come with a greater responsibility on the road.

According to AAA, loss of visibility, slick roads and poorly maintained brakes lead to thousands of accidents every year, and the highest number of weather-related injuries and fatalities occur during the wet and snowy months of winter. Driving a vehicle with a higher center of gravity as with an SUV can make matters worse by potentially increasing the chance of rollover, said a campaign representative.

"Overloading the vehicle with weight added to the overhead cargo rack, from items like skis and snowboards, increases the risk of rollover by raising the center of gravity," says Connecticut Attorney General Richard Blumenthal. "SUVs should always be handled with extra caution, especially in the winter months when low visibility and stormy weather are the norm."

The Esuvee Safety Campaign offers the following winter driving tips that are critical for being safe on the road:

* Loading: The center of gravity of an SUV is affected by the number of people carried, as well as the amount, weight and distribution of cargo. Be cautious when piling up the car for a trip to the snow. Too much weight and in the wrong distribution could cut your drive short with a rollover accident.

* Tires: Inspect your tires or have them inspected by your local tire vendor to ensure that they are of the right size, not damaged or worn below legal tread depth. Tread depth is even more important in icy conditions. Maintain tire pressure relative to load as set by the owner's manual or placard on your vehicle.

* Handling: SUVs have a higher center of gravity than passenger cars, which contributes to the higher risk of rollover. The chances of an SUV rollover are further increased by speeding, abrupt maneuvers, inattentiveness, tailgating, recklessness, aggressiveness or impaired driving. SUVs require more time to stop than regular passenger cars, and slick roads mean an even longer distance is required.

* Seat belts: Perhaps the most preventable cause of death in an SUV rollover is ejection from the vehicle. Eighty percent of those killed in SUV rollovers are unbelted.

Courtesy of ARA Content

Featured Articles:
Motor Oil Facts, Not Friction (12/13/2007)
Drowsy Driving Prevention Campaign Drives Motorists to Steer Clear of Sedating Medications During the Holidays (12/05/2007)
Prepare Your Auto for Winter -- From Cleaning to Safety (11/27/2007)
Reality Show Gives Racing Enthusiasts Their 15 Seconds of Fame (11/13/2007)
Winter's Top Rules of the Road (11/12/2007)