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Contact:

Karl Newman, President
Darrin Sanger, Communications Director     
NW Insurance Council    
Phone: (206) 624-3330
Fax: (206) 624-1975
karl.newman@nwinsurance.org

darrin.sanger@nwinsurance.org

Snowstorm: towing insurance, safety precautions can save you headaches

SEATTLE - The latest snowstorm has wreaked havoc across Northwest roads, leaving a strewn of accidents and abandoned vehicles in its path.

Auto Insurance can help aleviate many of the financial headaches caused by car accidents, depending on your coverage and deductibles.

"Winter driving conditions can range from normal, dry roads to snow and ice within several miles, depending on where you're going," said Karl Newman, NW Insurance Council president. "Drivers heading for winter sports activities, or crossing the mountains to visit friends and relatives, can see the weather change in minutes."

Consider towing coverage as a safeguard in the event you do slide off of the road or you're involved in an accident. Most auto insurance policies do not automatically cover towing. Towing coverage is usually available for $10 to $20 more per year and also provides towing for other hazards such as vehicle breakdown.

Check your policy or call your insurance company or agent to verify whether or not you have towing coverage.

It's important to take the appropriate safety measures. NW Insurance Council offers these winter-weather driving tips to help you and your family safely get to your holiday destination:

  • Before your trip, know the current road conditions and the forecast for your route and destination.
  • If you're crossing mountains, take chains or other traction devices. If possible, install studded tires before your trip.
  • Keep an emergency winter driving kit in your car. The kit should include blankets, water, high-energy snacks, and highway warning devices, flares, flashlights and batteries.
  • Be aware of potentially dangerous icy areas such as shady spots, bridges and overpasses. Approach these areas with caution. These areas are usually the first places to get icy, and often the ice is invisible.
  • Stay on main roads as much as possible. Road crews normally clear main roads and highways first. In case of an emergency, you have a better chance of getting help on a main route.
  • If you start to slide, pump your brakes gently and steer into the direction of the slide.
  • Avoid over-acceleration.
  • If you have anti-lock brakes, do not pump your brakes. Instead, press firmly on the brake pedal and hold it down, allowing the anti-lock mechanism to work.
  • Drive with your headlights on low beam. Low beam provides better illumination in snow than high beam.

For more information on winter-weather driving safety, contact NW Insurance Council at (800) 664-4942 or visit http://www.nwinsurance.org.

NW Insurance Council is a nonprofit, public-education organization funded by member insurance companies.

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