Farmers’ Almanac® and EasyCare Share Top 5 Tips for Driving During Wet Fall Months

Drivers need to be prepared for soggy autumn forecast.

Lewiston, ME, September 25, 2009 --(PR.com)-- For those living along the eastern seaboard and the southeastern United States, the Farmers’ Almanac prediction of a wet autumn is easily substantiated by a look out of the windshield on their commute home.

“October will bring back the warm weather, but humid conditions and showers will persist,” offers Peter Geiger, Philom, Editor of the Farmers’ Almanac.

While those in drought-afflicted states are thrilled to be finally getting rain, the sudden onslaught is overwhelming watersheds and drainages systems. This can lead to dangerous flooding and washouts on the roadways. The best way to protect yourself is:

1. Assure that your vehicle is road-ready.
“Taking care of little things before they affect the performance of your vehicle is the best way to assure a safe driving experience,” offers Eric Bullock, Claims Authorization Representative at EasyCare. This includes items you can handle yourself like checking tires. Your wear bars are a good indicator, but so is a penny. Place a penny in your tread head down. If you can see Lincoln’s head, it’s time to have your tires checked.

2. Make sure you turn your headlights on.
In some states it is a law, precisely for the reason that it will help you see better and help other drivers see you too. It is also a good idea to check your brake lights, tail lights and turn signals to assure that they are in proper working order.

3. Don’t wait to brake.
The wet pavement will take longer to stop than usual, and you just might hydroplane if you stop too fast. “Worn brakes will also increase your stopping distance. You should have them checked when you get an oil change or with tire rotation,” offers Bullock.

4. Drive in the centermost lanes to avoid those big puddles.
Water pools on the outside lanes, as overflow rushes to find drainage. This can cause hydroplaning or loss of control.

5. Be on the look-out for flooded roadways and take alternate routes if you anticipate flooding in certain areas.
If the water ahead of you is moving/flowing or if you cannot see the bottom, do not attempt to cross it in your car.

About the Farmers' Almanac
The Farmers' Almanac, which features an orange and green cover, has been published every year since 1818. Available at grocery and bookstores nationwide, it contains useful and interesting articles, as well as long-range weather predictions, gardening advice, recipes, and more. It is also available online at www.farmersalmanac.com.

About EasyCare
Founded in 1984, Automobile Protection Corporation-APCO is the leading independent provider of automotive benefits specifically created to enhance a consumer’s vehicle buying and ownership experience. APCO’s benefits are provided through a network of over 2000 franchise auto dealers under the EASYCARE brand, as well as on behalf of some of the most preeminent manufacturers in the automotive industry, including Jaguar, Land Rover, Mazda and Volvo. With over 2.8 million contracts currently in force, APCO has paid nearly $2 billion in claims, including over $180 million in the last 12 months. For more information, visit www.EASYCARE.com.

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Automobile Protection Corporation/EasyCare
Jennifer Silverberg
678-225-1000
www.easycare.com
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