If you have been on the road since the wave of foot plus snowstorms descended upon us you have been in this situation.  You are trying to exit a side road, your driveway, or parking lot and all you can see is this!

So you creep out very slowly, hear the screaming of a horn, you slam on your breaks and hope you stop in time.  Driving this winter has presented us with many challenges and accidents are inevitable.  After an accident occurs appropriate insurance coverage with a great company is key.  But better than the right insurance is avoiding the accident all together.

Here are some tips from AAA and our friends at Plymouth Rock Assurance

• Always wear your seatbelt.
• Remember to drive more cautiously and leave ample space between you and the car in front of you. Since the snow banks cover the shoulders of roads, there is little or no room for quick, evasive maneuvers. So, you’ll need more time to react in the event you have to swerve or pull over.
• When merging onto the highway (or any road, for that matter) it’s important to do so slowly and cautiously since snow banks can block your ability to see traffic – and for traffic to see you.
• When making a turn at a stop sign, be sure to come to a complete stop and look both ways twice. Be sure you can see beyond the snow bank to make sure there are no oncoming cars or pedestrians.
• Accelerate and decelerate slowly. Applying the gas slowly to accelerate is the best method for regaining traction and avoiding skids. Don’t try to get moving in a hurry. And take time to slow down for a stoplight. Remember: It takes longer to slow down on icy roads.
• Don’t power up hills. Applying extra gas on snow-covered roads just starts your wheels spinning. Try to get a little inertia going before you reach the hill and let that inertia carry you to the top. As you reach the crest of the hill, reduce your speed and proceed downhill as slowly as possible.
• Don’t stop going up a hill. There’s nothing worse than trying to get moving up a hill on an icy road. Get some inertia going on a flat roadway before you take on the hill.
• Stay home. If you really don’t have to go out, don’t. Even if you can drive well in the snow, not everyone else can. Don’t tempt fate: If you don’t have somewhere you have to be, watch the snow from indoors.