Fremont Insurance Offers Advice for Winter Driving

FREMONT, Mich., Nov. 24, 2010 /PRNewswire/ -- As snow and ice return to Michigan, Fremont Michigan InsuraCorp, Inc. (OTC Bulletin Board: FMMH) wants to remind motorists about the dangers of winter driving.  Icy road conditions and unsafe driving practices lead to hundreds of fatalities each year.  In fact, 70 percent of winter weather-related deaths in the United States are caused by icy road conditions(1).  Fremont Insurance, a Michigan-exclusive property and casualty insurance carrier with headquarters in Fremont, Michigan, offers 10 Safety Tips for Winter Driving, to help Michigan drivers arrive safely and avoid costly accidents.  

"Driving during the winter in Michigan offers motorists a variety of challenges and some scary situations that may require advance preparation and quick thinking to survive," said Kurt Dettmer, vice president of marketing for Fremont Insurance.  "Slick, wet and snow-covered roads, as well as everything from downpours to hail to white outs are just a few of the things that drivers can expect to deal with during the coming months.  Sometimes the safest approach is to avoid driving altogether, but since that's not always practical, it's best to understand the dangers and prepare accordingly before heading out on the road."

1. Light it Up – Before starting out, turn on your lights to increase your visibility to other motorists.  Be sure to clear snow and ice completely from all windows, lights, hood and roof.  In addition, law enforcement officials are warning that they will be on the lookout for "peephole drivers."
2. Slow it Down – Remember, posted speed limits are for dry pavement.  Decrease your speed on icy or snow-covered roads and allow extra distance (at least three times the norm) between your vehicle and the vehicle in front of you.
3. Look Ahead – Watch the traffic well ahead for extra reaction time.   Always drive defensively and give yourself a cushion of time to deal with wintery conditions and remember to use low gears to maintain traction, especially on hills.
4. Stay Back – Stay well back of maintenance vehicles and snowplows – at least 200 feet (it's the law) – and don't pass on the right.  Use extreme caution when passing in a passing lane.  Also do not cut quickly in front of heavy trucks.  Remember they take longer to safely respond and come to a complete stop.
5. Pick a Lane – Avoid abrupt lane changes.  There may be a snow ridge between lanes.  Also, the passing lane may be in worse shape than the driving lane.
6. Take a Brake – Brake early and gently to avoid skidding.  It takes more time and distance to stop in adverse conditions.  If your wheels start to lock up, ease off the brake.  Do not pump anti-lock brakes.  The right way is to stomp and steer.
7. Watch for Signs – Watch for slippery bridge decks and other areas prone to becoming slick, even when the rest of the pavement is in good condition.  Often a sign will remind drivers that bridge decks will ice up sooner than adjacent pavement, but even if there is no sign, drivers should remember to be cautious.
8. Stay in Control – Don't use cruise control or overdrive in wintery conditions.  Even a slight depression of your brakes to deactivate can cause loss of control on hidden slippery patches
9. Avoid Assumptions – Do not assume your vehicle can handle all conditions.  Even four-wheel and front-wheel drive vehicles encounter trouble on winter roads.  The false sense of security theses vehicles offer can leave you less prepared to deal with an emergency situation when it occurs.
10. Stay Home – Don't drive at all in adverse conditions if you can avoid it.  If you can't, try to wait until the snow plows and sanders have been out. Always remember that it's better to arrive a few minutes late and be safe than to drive too fast for conditions and not arrive at all.

"Regardless of your driving skill or level of experience, Michigan roads can offer some of the most challenging driving conditions in the country," reminds Dettmer.  "If I had to give people just one bit of advice, it would be to simply slow down.  It seems like everyone is in a hurry to get somewhere these days, particularly during the holiday season, and the faster you are going, the less time you have to react in an emergency situation."  

(1) Research conducted by the Virginia Department of Emergency Management.

About Fremont Michigan InsuraCorp, Inc.

Fremont Michigan InsuraCorp, Inc. (www.fmic.com) is the holding company for Fremont Insurance Company. Headquartered in Fremont, Mich., the company provides property and casualty insurance to individuals, farms and small businesses exclusively in Michigan. Fremont Michigan InsuraCorp's common stock trades under the symbol "FMMH."

SOURCE Fremont Michigan InsuraCorp, Inc.