During the holiday season, you may find yourself traveling long distances to visit family and friends. While those occasions can be exciting, all that driving in winter conditions can be a bit dangerous. If you get into an accident or slide off the road, a roadside assistance service can be a major help, but most drivers would probably like to avoid those situations altogether. To stay safe on the road this holiday season, here are some tips to remember.

How to Avoid Roadside Assistance Emergencies This Winter

1. Leave Space in Front of You

Ice makes it more difficult for your brakes and tires to work quickly, and you can’t always anticipate what the driver in front of you is going to do. So, leave a safe distance between you and the car in front of you. The general consensus is to leave about three seconds worth of space in moderate conditions, or six seconds worth of space in harsh winter conditions.

2. Get Winter Tires

Winter tires have tread that is specifically designed to grip on icy or snowy roads. This improved traction can help you avoid spinning or sliding out of control.

3. Brake Gradually

Even with the proper tires, suddenly stomping on your brakes is likely to lead to some swerving. On icy or snowy roads, your chances of spinning out into a ditch or another vehicle increases. So, keep an eye on the road ahead of you and try to anticipate when you’ll need to stop or slow down, so you can do so as gradually as possible.

4. Invest in Quality Windshield Wipers

Full visibility is an absolute must for drivers throughout the entire year. However, all the snow and ice that builds up on your windshield over the winter can make that difficult. So, invest in quality wiper blades that are made for winter weather.

5. Keep an Emergency Kit on Hand

In case you do get into a small fender bender or get stuck in a snowbank, make sure you have some essential supplies on hand, including a flashlight or headlamp, batteries, road flares, first aid kit, blanket, shovel, and kitty litter to provide extra traction along snowy areas. In addition, keep a pair of sunglasses in your car at all times. White snow can reflect sunlight directly into your line of sight, making it especially difficult to see.

If you do need roadside assistance, call Ron’s Service & Towing in Fairbanks, AK. The award-winning company, which has been in business for more than 53 years, provides towing throughout the state along with auto repair and mechanic services so you can get back out on the road quickly and safely. Their team is available 24/7, 365 days a year, and they work tirelessly to make sure your experience is as easy as possible. View a full list of services online or call (907) 456-4224 for immediate service.