Winter Driving Safety Tips: Checklist for a Road Trip during Winter Season

The winters are upon us and the road is calling to witness the beautiful winter scenery around the country. Before setting off though, taking care of things, safety-wise, will ensure the least amount of hiccups during the journey. Now, rather than being all confused for ensuring this, a checklist for a road trip on winter driving safety tips seems like a good idea to get things done one by one. Simply, go through the following list items and get, set, go!

How to Ensure Safety During a Road Trip in Winter?

Apart from the checklist that follows, you must be keen on ensuring a safe drive for yourself. For example, follow all traffic rules and be sure to avoid mistakes while driving. It is easy to doze off during this season thanks to all that rosy chill around you. Ensure that your co-passenger knows how to drive. This will allow resting time for the one driving for long hours. 

Next, comes motor insurance. Nobody wants to be stranded on an unfamiliar road and not know what to do next in case of a breakdown. Make sure that you have proper backup and that your insurance company will come to the rescue when you need it the most. A comprehensive insurance policy can help with availing maximum services if topped with relevant add-ons. There is a Roadside assistance add-on that opens the door to many services like towing, fuel refill, tyre repair, on-spot minor repairs, and much more. Then, there is a Zero Depreciation add-on that will increase your claim amount in case of damage. Make sure you have a good insurance plan in place before leaving for a trip during the winter season.

Checklist and Tips for a Safe Road Trip in Winter:

Driving in winter requires some safety measures to be in place before you set out. Drive or ride slowly when crossing a road that is covered with snow or ice. Winter driving safety requires you to be alert while taking turns, braking or accelerating. Also, it is a good idea to keep ample distance between two vehicles. Especially while driving on a bridge. One small push can slide the car or bike through a great distance. Avoid making haste. Have patience and think through while making a tricky decision. Driving in heavy winters is different than driving in any other season. 

Here is a car and bike checklist before road trip in winter:

1) Winter Gear

The only thing that will keep you warm is a proper winter gear especially if you are riding a bike.Tip: Choose thermal wear instead of heavy woollen clothes. They will help reduce additional weight on a bike trip.

2) Spare Tyre

Having a spare tyre in a proper condition can help you reach the local garage quickly. Unless you are not facing a breakdown, you won't have to get the car towed.

3) Rain Gear

You will need rain gear i.e. waterproof clothing if you need to get down on the road and kneel for a tyre change. Snow can melt quickly around you and can have an adverse effect on your health without a waterproof rain gear.

4) Documents

Riding a car or a bike is a big no without proper documents in place. Be sure that you carry your driving license, the car insurance policy, PUC certificate, and the RC of the vehicle when you set out.

5) Battery Jumpstart Kit

A dead battery is a common occurrence in winters. You can save yourself from the hassle of going to a garage with a basic battery jump-start kit.

6) First Aid Kit

You should carry at least a basic first-aid box when going for a ride or long drive. Ideally, the box should contain any medicines that you need regularly. Additionally, some tape, antiseptic liquid, cotton, ointment, bandages, a clean gauze, sterilized tweezers, etc. should be present. Tip: Write some emergency contact numbers on a piece of paper and keep it in the first-aid box just in case your phone gets damaged.

7) Spare Tyre and Tool Box

Changing the tyre is not as difficult as it seems. Anyone can do it by knowing the right trick. Go through some online videos beforehand and you can change a flat tyre without requiring much help from anyone. 

8) Tire Chains

Tire chains or snow chains are useful to drive on a road with snow or ice. They will keep your vehicle from skidding and would avoid a probable accident.

Also, Read: 5 Tips to Consider While Driving Through Waterlogged Roads

Things to Remember: 

1. Keep your vehicle clean.

2. Check the electrical and mechanical parts before setting out on a long journey.

3. If your car is skidding, turn the steering in the direction of the skid. This will straighten the car and you will resume control over it. 

4. Avoid hitting emergency brakes on a slippery road. 

5. Get the vehicle serviced and maintained before setting on a long journey in winter.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some frequently asked questions on the above topic:

Which car insurance policy is the best for a road trip?

The car insurance policy for your next road trip should be the one that provides adequate coverage. If you are an avid traveller and wish to travel during the winter season, you should buy a Roadside Assistance add-on. It will provide a host of services including on-spot damage repair, free towing services, tyre change, etc. These services will come in handy during a winter road trip.

What are some useful car insurance and travel tips?

Here are some useful tips on car insurance and travel:

• Always travel with least luggage. Don't carry things that you can buy, use and throw while on the trip.

• Make sure that you buy a comprehensive car insurance policy. It covers third-party costs and damage to your vehicle.

• Top your car insurance policy with relevant add-ons. Engine protection, Roadside Assistance, and Zero depreciation are very useful.

• Carry a fresh first-aid box. Make sure that the contents are well within the expiry date.

• Get your car serviced to check for fluids, filters, electrical parts, etc.

Which is the best car insurance coverage for a road trip?

A comprehensive car insurance policy topped with required add-ons is the best car insurance coverage for a road trip.

Is there a separate road trip insurance for one journey?

No, your comprehensive policy covers you for all the trips you make within the country during the policy period.

Is it a good idea to get car maintenance done after a road trip?

This depends upon how roughly the car was used during the road trip, however, one should get done with car maintenance before a road trip for sure.

Should one avoid winter motorcycle riding?

No, there is no need to avoid riding a motorcycle in winters, unless advised by the authorities. It's just that one needs to take proper precautions while riding on slippery roads and be prepared for the cold weather.

What are the things you need for a road trip?

You need vehicle documents, travel essentials, first-aid box, and a navigation device for a road trip.