5 Hudson Valley Winter Driving Tips

Be prepared for snow storms this winter and drive safe in the Hudson Valley

As the first snow storm of 2014, winter storm Hercules, quickly approaches the Hudson Valley, we thought we would share some tips for safe winter driving. Here are a few tips that our chauffeurs follow when providing Hudson Valley limo service:
 

1. Do not speed! The U.S. Department of Transportation recommends reducing your speed by 50% during a snow storm. You should also keep a far distance between you and the cars ahead of you, so that you'll have more time if you need to brake suddenly and won't skid all over the road.

2. Prepare your vehicle for winter. If you know how, great! If not, take your vehicle to your local mechanic to get you ready for the snow. You should check the battery, have winter windshield wiper blades installed and top off your washer fluid. Also check your oil and brakes as well as your exhaust system, heater and defroster. If you can, you should put snow tires in your vehicle. Don't forget to check on your spare tire hidden away.

3. Have an emergency kit ready. All of our fleet vehicle's winter kits consist of: extra water bottles, flashlight, snow shovel and brush, ice scraper, jumper cables, blankets and hand warmers, first aid kit, cell phone charger, and snacks.

4. Check for road closures and weather alerts. Our chauffeurs and dispatchers like using local county Twitter feeds for up to the minute road closure, traffic and weather alerts. You can find all of the NY county Twitter accounts HERE. And here are the direct links to Hudson Valley counties that we use:

Albany County http://twitter.com/ny_albany
Dutchess County http://twitter.com/ny_dutchess
Orange County http://twitter.com/ny_orange
Putnam County http://twitter.com/ny_putnam
Rockland County http://twitter.com/ny_rockland
Sullivan County http://twitter.com/ny_sullivan
Ulster County http://twitter.com/ny_ulster
Westchester County http://twitter.com/ny_westchester

5. Remember the "W/H rule" - if your wipers are on, make sure you have your headlights turned on too. You'll have more visibility in the snow storm, other vehicles will be able to see you more clearly, and it is the law in New York State!
We hope these tips help keep you and your loved ones safe this winter season! If you have any other tips we'd love to hear them. Please comment your tips below or share with us on Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIn.