Martinsville Towing | Roadside Assistance | Tow Truck | Wrecker Service in Martinsville Indiana
  • Home
  • Roadside Assistance Services
  • Local Info
  • Contact
  • Blog
  • Our Roadside Assistance Services

Winter Driving - Part 3 of 3 - Tips for Long-Distance Winter Trips

2/10/2022

0 Comments

 

Tips for Long-Distance Winter Trips - Part 3 of 3

Picture
In Part 3, we'll discuss things to consider when planning a long distance trip in the winter to keep you safe. Remember, a long distance trip could be anything over an hour away under normal driving conditions.
  • Be Prepared: Have your vehicle checked by a Martinsville Pro Towing Approved Auto Repair facility before hitting the road. The small cost in getting your vehicle checked out will be worth it. Minor repairs are less expensive than Major repairs.
  • Check the Weather: Check the weather  in your current location and at your destination when you’re expected to arrive. You also should check the weather conditions along your route and when possible, delay your trip if bad weather is expected. At minimum, plan along your route for places you can stop or over-night, so you’ll have peace of mind before you leave. Record the business name, address, phone numbers, etc, so you’re organized before departure.
  • Stay Connected: Before hitting the road, for your safety, notify others and let them know your route, when you’re departing, destination and estimated time of arrival.
  • If you get stuck in the snow:
    • Stay with your vehicle: Your vehicle is the best temporary shelter while making it easier for rescuers to find you. Never try to walk in a severe storm. Remember the Donnors? They even have a mountain pass named after their tragedy. When venturing from your vehicle, in the blowing snow, it’s easy to lose sight of your vehicle and become lost.
    • Don’t over exert yourself: When digging your vehicle out of the snow, stop when you become tired. Listen to your body. It’s knows best. Be safe and take your time. You’ll eventually dig your way out. This is where that compact shovel comes into play. Take turns if other capable people are traveling with you.
    • Be Visible: Tie a brightly colored cloth (or preferably a wide brightly colored plastic strip – snow is less likely to stick to it) to the antenna of your vehicle or place a cloth at the top of a rolled up window to signal distress. At night, keep the dome light on if possible. Preferably pack an LED battery-powered button light in your emergency kit. This way you won’t exhaust your battery, even though, It only uses a small amount of electricity and either option will make it easier for rescuers to find you.
    • Clear the Exhaust Pipe: I know it’s major inconvenience, but make sure the exhaust pipe is not clogged with snow, ice or mud. (Another use for the compact shovel) A blocked exhaust pipe can bring deadly carbon monoxide gas inside your vehicle while the engine is running. While running the engine, slightly open a window farthest from direction the wind is blowing to ventilate your passenger compartment.
    • Clear a path for Oxygen: In the event you’re caught in blizzard conditions, you need to make sure your car is not completely covered. This can seal out oxygen from your car, so clear a path or tunnel, so air can reach your car windows.  Take turns sleeping
    • Stay Warm: Use whatever is available to insulate your body from the cold. This could include floor mats, newspapers or paper maps. Pre-pack blankets and heavy clothing to use in case of an emergency. Make good use of hunting or skiing clothing to stay warm.  Think in terms of layers  that do not fit tightly. We humans just need to create a micro-climate around our bodies to stay warm. This is where having enough food and water also helps to keep you warm. A little exercise helps too. Moving your body parts: arms, legs, hands to generate warmth.
    • Conserve Fuel: If possible, only run the engine to heat the interior long enough to remove the chill. In severe cases, run your engine for only 10 mins each hour to stay warm. This helps to conserve the fuel in your vehicle and prolong your safety window.
We hope this series on Driving Tips in the Winter has been helpful to you. Stay safe out there on the road. And in the event you find yourself needing a tow truck, give a ring. Tap our phone number and we'll hook you up.
0 Comments

Aggressive Driving Part 1 of 2

2/8/2022

0 Comments

 

Aggressive Driving Part 1 of 2

Picture
I’m sure you’ve experienced it, or (opps!) unfortunately you’re most likely guilty of the behavior at some point in your driving experience. According to AAA, aggressive driving is extremely common among U.S. drivers. And “according to AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety’s 2019 data, nearly 80 percent of drivers expressed significant anger, aggression or road rage behind the wheel at least once in the previous 30 days.”
Many drivers have increasingly become very concerned about aggressive driving. You may not even realize you have participated in aggressive driving behavior. So first you need to know what it is to recognize it. Some drivers may view this as normal driving, because they’ve never taken any drivers courses. Next, lets’ explore more about aggressive driving risks and tips to stop and avoid aggressive driving behaviors here.

Exactly What is Aggressive Driving?

“Any unsafe driving behavior, performed deliberately and with ill intention or disregard for safety, can constitute aggressive driving.” Examples of aggressive driving behaviors include:  
  • Running red lights
  • Changing lanes without signaling
  • Tailgating
  • Weaving in and out of traffic
  • Cutting in front of another driver, then slowing down
  • Speeding in heavy traffic
  • Blocking cars attempting to pass or change lanes
  • Using your bright headlights to “punish” other drivers
  • Flashing your lights to “punish” other drivers
  • Using your brakes to “punish” other drivers
Any of these look or sound familiar? If so, is improvement in your future?

Then What is Road Rage?

Road rage is defined as Extreme cases of aggressive driving that can escalate into road rage. Aggressive driving played a role in 56 percent of fatal crashes over a five-year period, according to one analysis. Examples of road rage include:
  • Cursing and rude or obscene gestures
  • Excessive honking
  • Throwing objects
  • Getting out of the vehicle to confront another driver
  • Forcing a driver off the road
  • Sideswiping
  • Bumping or ramming another vehicle on purpose
Hopefully, you’ve not done any of these, either.

How Commonly do U.S. Drivers Exhibit Aggressive Driving Behaviors?

“According to estimates by the AAA Foundation’s Annual Traffic Safety Culture Index, millions of drivers engaged in the following angry and aggressive behaviors in the 30 days before the survey, including”:
  • Aggressive driving by switching lanes quickly/or very close behind another car:  26 percent (57 million drivers)
  • Made rude gestures or honked at other drivers: 32 percent (71 million drivers)
  • Driven 15 mph over the speed limit on a freeway: 48 percent (106 million drivers)
  • Driven through a red light: 31 percent (68 million drivers)
  • Passed in front of a vehicle at less than a car length: 22 percent (49 million drivers)
  • Speeded up when another vehicle tried to overtake you: 25 percent (55 million drivers)
  • Followed vehicle in front of you closely to prevent another vehicle from merging in front of you: 34 percent (75 million drivers)
  • Merged into traffic even when another driver tries to close the gap between vehicles: 28 percent (62 million drivers)

What you can do about it in Part 2

0 Comments

Avoid Vehicle Collisions with Animals

2/3/2022

0 Comments

 

Avoid Vehicle Collisions with Animals

Picture
Hitting an animal with your vehicle can be dangerous and are also costly. According to AAA, “From 2001 to 2011, animal collisions contributed to more than 2,080 fatal crashes nationwide.” Animal action can be unpredictable and down-right erratic. You can’t predict what they’ll do. Doesn’t matter if it’s a dog, squirrel, deer, moose, horse or a cow on the road or roadside, they create a dangerous situation for you, the motorist. Martinsville Pro Towing encourages drivers like you, to not only watch the center of the roadway, but also scan the sides of the road and use caution / remain alert to avoid colliding with domestic animals or wildlife.
You should be aware that most wildlife-vehicle collisions happen during the autumn and winter seasons, and many can be prevented. These two seasons are when animals are migrating or in their normal seasonal movement periods. They’re changing up the population mix during and after the “rut”.
What To Do If An Animal Runs Out In Front Of Your Vehicle
Scan both sides of the road and shoulders ahead of you. This way you’ll help give yourself a cushion of reaction time if you detect an animal. Remember herd animals, such as deer, move in groups. There’s usually more than one in the area, so watch for others to appear.
If there’s no oncoming traffic ,use your high-beam headlights. This increases your odds of being able to see the Wildlife sooner when using your bright lights. This will give you options like: time to slow down, honk to scare the animal out of your path, or move over. Your high beams also help spot reflective eyes that some animals have.
If you can’t avoid hitting the animal, press your brakes firmly and remain in your lane. For most drivers, swerving to avoid hitting the animal can result in a more serious crash or you losing control of your vehicle. However, if you can safely avoid hitting the animal, that’s the best choice.
At dawn and dusk be extra cautious. The normal behavior of most animals, deer in particular, have a tendency to be more active in the early morning hours and at dusk. They can see well at night, so they’re active at night. They often sleep during the day, when their stomachs are full and their predators are also sleeping.
Seeing Wildlife signs or in known areas with High/Active wildlife populations, Slow down and use extra caution. During mating or hunting season, be aware of increased wildlife movement. Some areas have a higher density of wildlife than others, so be extra watchful in dense forests where it can be difficult to spot the danger.
Even though, it goes without saying, here it is…
Always wear a seat belt, remain alert, awake, and sober.
0 Comments

Winter Driving - Part 2 of 3 - Tips for Driving in the Snow

2/1/2022

0 Comments

 

Tips for Driving in the Snow - Part 2 of 3

Picture
Today we'll give you some tips on how to drive in snowy conditions.  They are best practices. Whether the information is new to you or a refresher, it's wise to implement these best practices to keep you safe in the snow. Below are some things to consider when you're facing driving in snow.
  • Stay home. Your first option is to stay home.  This is the safest option. Only go out if it is absolutely necessary. Even if you can drive well in bad weather, it’s better to avoid taking unnecessary risks by attempting to drive on the slippery roads.
  • Drive slowly. Always adjust your speed, and slow down to adjust for lower traction when driving on snow or ice. Time is on your side when you’re traveling at slower speeds.
  • Accelerate and decelerate slowly. It’s time to start and stop in slow motion. Keep the heel of your foot on the floorboard and apply the gas slowly with the ball of your foot to regain traction and avoid skids. Don’t try to get moving in a hurry. It’s not productive to try to speed your way from a dead stop. Be sure to take time to slow down for a stoplight or stop sign. Remember: It takes longer to slow down on icy roads.
  • Increase your following distance:   This can be hard to maintain as vehicles try to fill the space between your car and the one in front of you. We recommend increasing your following distance by at least five to six seconds. However, this increased margin of safety will provide the longer distance needed if you have to stop.
  • Know your brakes. Whether you have antilock brakes or not, keep the heel of your foot on the floor and use the ball of your foot to apply firm, steady pressure on the brake pedal. This leverage gives you more control over your actions.
  • Don’t stop if you can avoid it. There’s a big difference in the amount of inertia (the continued force while your vehicle is in motion) that it takes to start moving from a full stop as opposed to how much time and effort it takes to get moving again while still rolling. So if you can slow down enough to keep rolling until a traffic light changes, do it. It will make a big difference in your driving experience.
  • Don’t power up hills. I know it’s counter-intuitive, however, applying extra gas on snow-covered roads just makes your wheels go into a spin. This can cause you to lose control of your vehicle. Try to get a little momentum going before you reach the hill and let that momentum carry you to the top. As you reach the top of the hill, slow down and proceed downhill slowly.
  • Don’t stop going up a hill. Whenever possible – Do Not Stop Going Up a Hill. There’s nothing worse than trying to get moving up a hill on an icy road. Your fighting against gravity among other factors. Get some momentum going on a flat roadway before you take on the hill.
  • Look where you want your vehicle to go. This may sound silly and obvious to you. It can be one of the most difficult things to do when you’re starting to slide. You always should look in the direction you want your vehicle to go. Your actions will be more natural in taking the corrective action to get you going in that direction. However, if you focus on the “thing” you want to avoid hitting, you’re more likely to hit it. 
In Part 3 of our 3 Part series we'll talk about Tips for Long-Distance Winter Trips. We hope you find the information in our series on Driving Tips in the Winter useful to you. Stay safe out there on the road. And in the event you find yourself needing a tow truck, give a ring. Tap our phone number and we'll hook you up.
0 Comments

    Author

    Martinsville Pro Towing takes great pride in delivering valuable articles on our hometown blog

    Archives

    February 2022
    January 2022

    Categories

    All
    Road Safety
    Winter Driving Tips

    RSS Feed

Site powered by Weebly. Managed by THE PROFIT QUEEN LLC
  • Home
  • Roadside Assistance Services
  • Local Info
  • Contact
  • Blog
  • Our Roadside Assistance Services