Metromile offers tips to keep you safe this winter

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Dec 22, 2015, 09:03 ET

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SAN FRANCISCO, Dec. 22, 2015 /PRNewswire/ -- More than 800 people die each year in the U.S. in vehicle crashes caused by snow, sleet and freezing rain, a study by the National Climactic Data Center says. Today marks the first day of winter which means wet roads, dark commute hours, ice, snow and cold temperatures – all of which put a strain on our vehicles and could lead to an accident.

To help keep drivers safe this winter, Metromile, a pioneer in pay-per-mile car insurance, recommends these tips.

Ensure your tires have tread: If your tire tread loses contact with the ground, your car will hydroplane and you could lose control. Avoid this by ensuring your tires are in good shape and have about 1/3 inch of tread.
Check your wiper blades: When roads are wet, the light from your headlights bounces off of the road surface making it difficult to see. If your windshield is wet or dirty, visibility will be impaired even more, which can lead to errors in judgment and ultimately an accident.
Inspect the engine coolant: Engine coolant is made up of water and chemicals that help lubricate the water pump, keep the engine cool and prevent it from freezing. If the coolant in your engine freezes, it can expand to the point where something inside your engine cracks or causes the radiator to break.
Reduce distractions: Driving in winter conditions requires you to be fully alert. If you are tired, pull over. Cell phones and dinner plans can wait until you are in a safe place to give them your full attention.

If you find you drive less during the winter, consider getting a quote for pay-per-mile insurance with Metromile at Metromile.com/insurance. The average Metromile customer saves $500 per year. For more driving tips, visit the Metromile Blog.

About Metromile

Metromile is revolutionizing car insurance through technology with its pay-per-mile insurance model. By offering affordable car insurance, transparent pricing based on the miles you actually drive, data to optimize how you use your car, and instant access to detailed vehicle diagnostics via the driving app, Metromile is transforming car insurance — and car ownership — to be more intelligent, seamless, and accessible than ever before. Metromile is expanding across the US, and currently empowering drivers in California, Illinois, Oregon, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Virginia and Washington. For more information, visit metromile.com.

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SOURCE Metromile