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.

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.

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.

“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?

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.

“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)

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.

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.