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ESSENTIAL WINTER DRIVING TIPS !!!!!

Helpful, and important precautions, for safe Winter driving.

MAKE SURE YOU AND YOUR CAR ARE PROPERLY EQUIPPED:
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> Be sure that your car has ample anti-freeze and plenty of windshield washer fluid.
> Verify that your tires are properly inflated.
> Have your battery tested for strength.
> Equip your car with a flashlight, extra batteries, first aid kit, warm clothes, a blanket, food, water and any needed meds.
> Keep sunglasses in your car. Glare off snow and ice is intense.
> Remember your cell phone, in case of emergencies (definitely not while driving).
> Keep your gas tank at least 1/2 full, to avoid gas line freeze ups.
> Make sure you have a substantial snow brush and ice scraper, perhaps even a shovel.
> For rear wheel drive cars, a bag of sand in the trunk, adds weight to the driving wheels, providing better traction. Also, sand can be shoveled
   under the wheels in the event you are stuck on a slippery surface.
> IF YOU BECOME SNOWBOUND, stay with your vehicle. It provides temporary shelter. Tie a brightly colored cloth to the antenna or at the top
   of a rolled up window to signal distress.
> Make sure the exhaust pipe isn't clogged with snow or mud. A blocked exhaust could cause a deadly carbon monoxide leak into the passenger
   compartment.
> If possible, run the engine and heater just long enough to remove the chill and conserve gasoline.

SLOW DOWN AND DRIVE SMOOTHLY:

> Avoid abrupt acceleration, braking and unnecessary lane changes. These maneuvers can cause you to lose traction, causing an uncontrollable
   skid, leading to an accident.
> Be patient and accept the fact that it is going to take longer to arrive at your destination.
> Do not tailgate. Stay well behind the driver in front of you. It takes a much longer distance to stop on snow or ice, due to reduced traction.
> Avoid driving if you are fatigued.
> Do not use cruise control, and don't stop if you can avoid it. Don't power up hills and as long as there is nothing in front of you, don't stop
   on a hill. You will lose all inertia.

LAST, BUT NOT LEAST:

> Stay home if you really don't have to go out. Remember, even if you drive well in the snow....not everyone else does. Accidents "don't just
   happen", they are caused, most often by humans, not acting responsibly, and taking unwarranted risks. Be very careful and think twice
   before you act. Enjoy the Winter and be safe.

For all your Real Estate, Insurance needs and helpful tips, contact LEGACY REALTY GROUP, Edison, New Jersey. 732.744.0400.