Remember the early bird gets the worm? This doesn’t apply when driving in snow and ice.

When weather conditions are bad, give yourself plenty of time to reach your destination. If you have a bad feeling or the news is telling you to stay off the road…think about it. Driving in snow and ice can be precarious. Our best advice for driving in these conditions is not to drive at all – but we realize that’s not always possible. It’s always better to wait and let the snow plows & sanding trucks do their job first, and even then, allow extra time to reach your destination. Wait can reduce the chance of an Omaha Collision or Near Miss Accident  Snow, sleet and ice leads to slower traffic, hazardous road conditions, increased road rage and unforeseen dangers. Anytime driving conditions are impaired, it’s important to monitor weather forecasts on the Internet, radio, television or daily papers. A good sign you need to wait out a storm would be if you’re already on the road and see a dozen cars stuck on the on ramp to the highway. Or if you slide two car lengths past the first stop sign you encounter. Or if the car in front of you starts sliding sideways while at a full stop.

Time management begins with making sure your car can safely navigate to your destination

Breaking down mid-trip in hazardous conditions can throw a wrench into your travel plans. If possible, have your car tuned up before bad weather sets in. You’ll get better gas mileage, quicker starts and faster response on pick-up and passing power. Some precautionary checks would be to examine the battery, check anti-freeze levels (and the freeze line), check tire pressure and tread depth, check all of the filters, check the brakes, wiring, hoses and fan belts.

Emergencies can arise at any time, so you need to be prepared.

A shovel, tow chain, salt (or kitty litter), tool kit, jumper cables, spare tire (properly inflated), wheel wrench and tire jack are basic essentials as well as a working flashlight (and extra batteries), first aid kit, ice scraper, windshield cleaner and some high energy foods like dried fruits and hard candy.
If you’re driving longer distances, then you should also carry items like heavy wool mittens, socks, a cap and a blanket – to keep you warm.

A couple of tips to get you to your destination on time

When driving on icy roads, use low gears to keep traction, especially on hills. Don’t pass snow plows and sanding trucks – the road in front of them is more perilous than the road behind them. And don’t assume if you’re driving a four wheel or front wheel drive that your vehicle can handle any condition – these can still encounter problems. Be especially careful on bridges, overpasses and infrequently traveled roads. If you start to skid, do NOT slam on the brakes.

Great Plains Auto Body Collision Repair Omaha & Council Bluffs | Auto Body Shop Omaha

At Great Plains Auto Body, we’re committed to giving you an unmatched level of service. As a company that’s been family-owned and operated for more than 25 years, we’re dedicated to treating our customers as we would treat members of our own family. We’ll keep you informed throughout the entire repair process and make sure you’re satisfied when the job is complete. From estimating and detailing to collision repair and paint services, our ASE-certified mechanics and technicians make sure the job is done right and on time.