Black ice is the sudden freezing of the surface of roads and walkways. Because of its unexpected nature and the fact that it is can be nearly invisible, it is a particular challenge to drivers. Unless you are a highly-experienced road warrior, you might want to learn more about black ice.

How Does Black Ice Form?

When light rain or snow falls onto a frozen concrete or asphalt surface, instant freezing occurs, producing a thin layer of clear ice that is nearly invisible to drivers. The black road surface shows through the ice – thus the name “black ice”.

Why is Black Ice so Dangerous?

Because of its smoothness, it is more slippery than regular ice that has a more irregular surface which allows for more traction. Because of its tendency to be invisible, a driver may not even be aware of it until they are already driving on it. So there is no time to avoid it.

What Roadways Are Most Prone to Black Ice?

Patches of roads that are heavily shaded by trees and buildings as well as tunnels and underpasses will be more likely to have black ice since they do not warm as quickly. In addition, bridges may often have black ice since they are higher elevations more exposed to winds.

Can I Safely Drive on Black Ice?

When conditions are right for black ice, the best advice is to use extreme caution and slow down and discontinue your cruise control. If you sense that your car is on the slippery surface of black ice, be sure to steer carefully not making any sudden, sharp motions with the steering wheel.

How Can I Recover From a Skid on Black Ice?

Once you are into a skid, the technique you’ll use to recover depends upon what type of vehicle you are driving – whether it has front- or rear- wheel drive, all-wheel drive with or without antilock brakes. See “How do I recover from a black ice skid in a front-wheel, rear-wheel or all-wheel drive car?” from ErieSense for great advice. 

Auto Insurance Tip

No matter how experienced a driver you are or how cautious you try to be, accidents do happen. Before you take to the winter roads, be sure that your Auto Insurance offers you complete coverage. It is too late to do so, once an accident occurs.

Here at the Howley Insurance Agency, we are always glad to speak with you about any insurance needs. Why not contact us for a no-obligation policy review or to discuss your options.

No matter how much you might relish holiday gift giving and the shopping that goes along with it, you probably also wonder if your mother in law will re-gift or exchange the coffee maker you stood in line to purchase or if uncle Harold will really appreciate yet another reindeer tie. So why not try something different this year?

Give Experiences… Not Things

With a little thought, you can give an experiential gift that will allow the recipient to make memories of their own. Who wouldn’t want the chance to do that? Depending on your budget, your gifts might include a night at the theater or a special sporting event, a certificate for a few rounds of golf at that new course in town, a voucher for a day at the amusement park… you get the idea.

Giving Experiences: The Benefits

Aside from saving you endless hours in busy shopping malls, here are a few other benefits you might find worthwhile…

Wrapping Not Required

Most tickets and gift certificates just slide into a greeting card which is easier for you and better for the environment.

Memories That Last

Whether or not the experience you provide includes you directly, your recipient will remember you as a part of their experience much longer than they might remember who gave them those expensive chocolates.

No Returns Necessary

When you give experiences, there is no duplication and no chance for wrong style, color or size. Assuming that you know your recipient’s interests, they’ll enjoy your gift even if they have had the same experience before.

Gifts That Are Used – Not Forgotten

With the current trend among Americans to save money and live more simply, many are moving to smaller living spaces with more sparse surroundings – valuing experiences over “things”. Consequently, those gifts you spent time buying and wrapping might soon be languishing in a storage locker collecting dust.

Life Insurance Tip

One of the most precious gifts you can give to yourself and your family is the peace of mind that comes with Life Insurance. It is truly a gift of Love. Knowing that the family will be financially safe in the event of your death is a powerful experience.

Here at the Daniel Howley Insurance Agency, we are prepared to answer all your life insurance questions and to help you explore the many policy options available.

We wish everyone a safe and happy holiday season.

During the busy holiday season, there is never enough time for all that we need to do and remember. Along with the festivities, decorating, cooking, gift-giving and traveling, we still need to think, prepare and act to avoid those holiday hazards that can turn celebration into tragedy.

Common Holiday Hazards Are Preventable

Check out “Hazard Free Holidays” from Eriesense.com to learn about seven preventable hazards including holiday cooking, home decorating, heart attacks, slips and falls, outdoor fires as well as car and sledding accidents. The article offer tips and statistics from such sources as the NSC , NFPA , MADD and CPSC  to help all of us have a safe and happy holiday season.

Home & Auto Insurance Tip

As you prepare for the holiday season, don’t forget your insurance auto and home insurance protection. If you want the peace of mind to enjoy your holidays, consider taking a moment to review your policy with your insurance agent. The time to be sure that you are covered is well before you have to file a claim.

Here at the Daniel Howley Insurance Agency, we are always glad to assist as you consider your insurance options. Why not arrange a policy review or contact our office at your convenience?