Here\u2019s that and six more tips to keep you and your family safe as you take to the roads and highways of the PNW this spring. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
1. Take That Bit about Changing Weather Conditions for Your Spring Road Trips Seriously\u00a0<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Like we said, the Will Rogers quote also works for the PNW. Spring here can mean sunny skies<\/a> and balmy temperatures one day and a blast from winter\u2019s past the next. You might even get both extremes on the same day. <\/p>\n\n\n\n That means it\u2019s important to take in the latest forecasts and stay on top of changing weather news while you hit the road. And have warmer clothes on hand even if current conditions call for shorts and flip-flops. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Schedule an appointment with your favorite mechanic for a spring look-over. Off come the snow tires or chains. Check the brakes, get your oil and filters changed, and inspect your tires. Think of it as spring cleaning for your car \u2014 a chance to reduce your safety risks as much as possible when driving conditions change. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Wait\u2026it doesn\u2019t rain much in the PNW, does it? Just kidding! Although you might be surprised to learn that none of the states in the PNW are among the top ten rainiest US states<\/a>. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Still, if you\u2019ve lived in this area for any time at all, you definitely have experience driving in the rain. But after six months of winter (or at least it seems that long), you might be a little rusty at it. You might figure that the snow is gone, so you\u2019ll have no trouble at all gripping tires to pavement. <\/p>\n\n\n\n The truth is, hydroplaning in the rain can be just as risky as motoring over a patch of black ice. And heavy rain on your windshield can be as challenging to your visibility as the harshest blizzard. So respect the rain and drive carefully.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n We\u2019re talking about those bipeds you haven\u2019t seen much of since early fall. But when the weather gets nice, walkers, hikers, joggers, bicyclists, and skateboarders come out to play. <\/p>\n\n\n\n In other words, you no longer own the road. So drive cautiously and keep your eyes peeled for the humanity you might see at intersections, on the shoulders of roads, and jaywalking just about everywhere you go. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Reality intrudes. Yes, you\u2019ll know you\u2019ve hit the heart of spring the first time you nearly shatter your springs and lose a few fillings driving over a pothole. <\/p>\n\n\n\n A quick and painless science break: Potholes have dozens of causes, but the primary reason has to do with the expansion and contraction of road surfaces as the cold season turns warmer and ice pops out sections of pavement. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Whatever the science, potholes can mean trouble for your car and even make you lose control of your vehicle. They\u2019re potentially dangerous, not just an irritation. So assume that there\u2019s at least one canyon-size pothole awaiting your tires at all times, and you\u2019ll drive with optimal care. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Does your policy actually meet your needs as you prepare to travel in the great PNW? Should your deductible be raised or lowered? Do you have minimal coverage? If so, does that affect your planned travels financially? <\/p>\n\n\n\n If you had to take a pop quiz on the details of your auto insurance policy right now, how well would you do? If you\u2019re like most of us, you\u2019d fail the test. That\u2019s why it might be time to take your policy out<\/a> of safe storage, dust it off, and call up your car insurance agent for an interpretation of what is and isn\u2019t there. Do this before your trip, and you\u2019ll be in good shape this spring. <\/p>\n\n\n\n And don\u2019t forget: You may be eligible for some new car insurance discounts<\/a> if your circumstances have changed during the year, so be sure to ask. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Your Vern Fonk independent insurance agent is eager to answer all your questions to make your planned spring road trips as safe as they\u2019re entertaining. Visit us for a fast and free car insurance quote<\/a> or call us at (800) 455-8276<\/a>. You can also visit an agent at your nearby Vern Fonk Insurance office location<\/a> in the Pacific Northwest.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n2. Get Your Ride Roadworthy in the PNW\u00a0<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
3. Remember, Rain Is Different Than Snow (But Just as Dangerous)\u00a0<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n4. Watch Out for Actual People in the Pacific Northwest\u00a0<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
5. Know That the First Signs of Spring Are Robins (and Potholes)\u00a0<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
6. Check Out Your Car Insurance Policy before That Spring Road Trip\u00a0<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Finding Affordable Auto Insurance Online Today\u00a0<\/h2>\n\n\n\n