60% of American drivers do not prepare their car for winter weather

RICHMOND, Va., Feb. 16, 2015 /PRNewswire/ -- In light of the impending snow storms slatted to hit the area, it is important that drivers take note of potentially dangerous driving conditions that may develop.  Winter can be an enjoyable time of the year; however, with 70% of U.S. roads located in snowy regions - averaging more than five inches of snowfall annually - it can also be a treacherous time of the year for drivers if simple precautions are not taken.

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Elephant Auto Insurance recently polled drivers and discovered some surprising statistics around winter driving preparation:

• 60% of drivers do not do anything different to prepare their cars for winter driving
• However, 70% of respondents agree that winterizing your vehicle is important
• Of those polled, 50% of drivers age 25-34 do take steps to winterize their vehicles
• 65% of drivers age 55-64 do not take the necessary steps to get their vehicles winter ready
• Drivers in the Midwest and Northeast are more likely to prepare their cars for winter driving

The Federal Highway Administration (FHA) states that snowfall and sleet account for approximately 225,000 crashes a year, which is 15% of all weather related crashes annually. With nearly 71,000 people a year injured during snowfall or sleet on U.S. roads, according to the FHA, taking the time to prepare yourself for winter driving could be the difference in becoming a statistic.

"Unfortunately we do see incidents that might have been avoided had precautionary steps been taken," Brian Wakefield, Director of Operations at Elephant, explained. "Seeing these results shows there's still an opportunity to increase driver safety and awareness. We recommend drivers read our guides and videos to see how easy some of these steps are that can make drivers safer on the roads, especially during winter months."

Elephant's new winter driving guides provide helpful tips and easy techniques drivers can follow to stay safe on the roads this winter.  Elephant advises that you stay indoors during winter weather, but if driving is essential remember to stay calm and be prepared for anything.  Before you travel, Elephant recommends you review their winter driving guides, which features tips and videos guides on how to minimize risk and stay safe on the roads. 

About Elephant Auto Insurance
Founded in 2009, Elephant is a direct-to-consumer insurance company offering auto, home, motorcycle, and life products to customers nationally.  Elephant prides itself on providing quality services and great prices.  Located in Richmond, VA, Elephant is a wholly owned subsidiaries of Admiral Group, plc, one of the leading insurance companies in the United Kingdom. Elephant believes people who like what they do, do it better and therefore encourages a climate of individual contributions, long-term commitment and profitable growth within the organization. Elephant was named one of the Best Places to Work in Virginia, as well as one of the 50 Most Engaged Workplaces in the United States in 2011 and 2012. To learn more about Elephant or to get an insurance quote go to elephant.com, or call 1-877-21-TRUNK (1-877-218-7865).

SOURCE Elephant Auto Insurance

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