It's a family affair. Several relatives have been or are in the field and now for nearly a decade, Melanie Musson has cultivated her expertise in the car insurance industry.

With Halloween and the winter on the horizon, Musson, a published car insurance expert with CarInsuranceComparison.com, is our guest this week on The Weekly Driver Podcast.

Prepare for driving in inclement weather by following winter driving safety tips.

Co-hosts Bruce Aldrich and James Raia talk with Musson about the importance for drivers and pedestrians to remain acutely vigilant during the time of the year when nightfall occurs earlier.

Musson provides expertise in many areas of car insurance, notably the increased accidents and other concerns during winter driving.

Statistics tell the story:

• Seventy percent of drivers who live in regions of the United States that receive five inches or more of snowfall a year should start preparing for adverse winter road conditions;

• Winter road maintenance accounts for nearly 25 percent of most states’ DOT budgets.

• More than four fatal crashes annually for every a million drivers occur due to snow or sleet.

• Nearly 55,000 people are injured annually in traffic accidents due to snow or sleet.

• Snow, ice and fog account for 544 million hours of traffic delays per year.

• Snowy, slushy, and icy pavement cause more than 1,300 traffic deaths each year.

Considering the staggering numbers, Musson details why should we focus on winter driving statistics,
how winter driving conditions affect car insurance and how drivers can improve their safety in adverse road conditions and avoid needing roadside assistance.

Proper equipment and well-maintained vehicles, including car batteries greatly improve safety during winter driving. Make certain tires are properly inflated. Replace windshield wipers. Make sure engine fluids are the right consistency for the season and at the proper levels. Catastrophe can be avoided.

For additional information,  CarInsuranceComparison.com has a comprehensive list of 25 winter driving statistics.

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