Unsafe Conditions Cause Danger, Higher Auto Insurance Rates

When it comes to staying safe and holding down one's auto insurance rates, following some basic winter driving tips can make all the difference in the world.

That's especially true once the snow starts falling in most parts of the country. For example, some safety tips on the AAA website advise people to go extra slow on snowy roads to avoid the risk of skidding, and to be on guard against black ice. Keeping one's brakes in good condition is also very important, as is simply not driving when the weather becomes too unfavorable.

The AAA also warns people to keep their exhaust pipes cleared of snow and in the springtime, mud, because of the danger of carbon monoxide poisoning.

Ice and heavy snow on a vehicle can also cause unsafe conditions if a driver fails to clear it from their vehicle, since it can strike other cars and cause a dangerous distraction on the road.

With that in mind, New Jersey Governor Jon Corzine signed a bill this month that imposes fines of up to $75 on drivers who fail to sufficiently clear their vehicles of snow and ice before heading out on the road.

As the winter begins, these tips can be very important when it comes to avoiding accidents and keeping one's auto insurance rates low.