Drive Confidently This Winter with Tips From Mercury Insurance

Rhea-AI Summary

Mercury Insurance (NYSE: MCY) published winter driving safety tips on Nov 21, 2025 to help reduce weather-related collisions. The guidance highlights that roughly a quarter of weather-related crashes happen on snowy, slushy or icy pavement and recommends concrete steps drivers can take to lower risk.

Key tips include slowing down, increasing following distance to 8–10 seconds, avoiding sudden movements, using ABS braking technique if equipped, exercising caution on bridges and overpasses, not using cruise control on ice, and staying at least four car lengths behind snow plows.

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Smart, Simple Steps to Help Keep You and Your Family Safe When Temperatures Drop

LOS ANGELES, Nov. 21, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- The winter and holiday driving season is almost upon us, and with it comes a variety of driving hazards that are unique to the colder months. A quarter of all weather-related collisions occur on snowy, slushy or icy pavement, injuring hundreds of thousands of people each year.

Mercury Insurance (NYSE: MCY) wants to help consumers avoid the headache that comes with getting into a collision by offering some practical tips for driving safely in inclement weather.

"With winter conditions contributing to nearly a quarter of all weather-related collisions, it's critical to adjust your driving habits," said Justin Yoshizawa, Director of Product Management at Mercury Insurance. "Even small adjustments, like slowing down and giving yourself more space, can dramatically reduce your risk on the road."

Driving Tips for Winter Weather

• Slow Down and Increase Following Distance: Speed limits are for dry roads and optimal conditions. Reduce your speed significantly and increase your following distance to at least eight to 10 seconds to allow ample time to stop.
  
  
• Avoid Sudden Movements: Accelerate, decelerate and steer slowly and smoothly. Sudden actions can cause you to lose traction and skid.
  
  
• Braking: If your car is equipped with anti-lock brakes (ABS), apply firm, continuous pressure to the brake pedal. The system will automatically pulse to prevent the wheels from locking up. If your car does not have this feature, pump the brakes gently to prevent the wheels from locking up.
  
  
• Bridges and Overpasses: Be extra cautious on bridges, overpasses and shady spots, as these areas typically freeze first and are often icier than the rest of the road.
  
  
• No Cruise Control: Never use cruise control on snowy or icy surfaces, as it can cause you to lose control if the vehicle starts to skid.
  
  
• Give Snow Plows Room: Stay at least four car lengths behind snow plows and snow removal equipment. Passing a working snow plow is dangerous due to limited visibility and the material they spread.

"When drivers take the time to prepare and stay alert, winter roads become much more manageable. A little care goes a long way," said Yoshizawa.

About Mercury Insurance

Mercury Insurance (NYSE: MCY) is a multiple-line insurance carrier predominantly offering personal auto, homeowners, renters and commercial insurance through a network of independent agents in Arizona, California, Georgia, Illinois, Nevada, New Jersey, New York, Oklahoma, Texas and Virginia, as well as auto insurance in Florida. Mercury writes other lines of insurance in various states, including commercial, business owners and business auto, landlord, home-sharing, ride-hailing and mechanical protection insurance.

Since 1962, Mercury has provided customers with tremendous value for their insurance dollar by pairing ultra-competitive rates with excellent customer service, through more than 4,200 employees and a network of more than 6,340 independent agents in 11 states. Mercury has earned an "A" rating from A.M. Best, as well as "Best Auto Insurance Company" designations from Forbes and Insure.com.

Interested media can follow Mercury and receive notifications about new press releases at the new Mercury Insurance Newsroom at https://newsroom.mercuryinsurance.com/, follow the company on X, Instagram or Facebook or email us at Newsroom@MercuryInsurance.com. 

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SOURCE Mercury Insurance

FAQ

What winter driving tips did Mercury Insurance (MCY) publish on Nov 21, 2025?

Mercury recommended slow driving, increasing following distance to 8–10 seconds, smooth steering and braking, cautious bridge driving, no cruise control on ice, and giving snow plows four car lengths.

How much following distance does Mercury Insurance advise for snowy or icy roads (MCY advice)?

Mercury advises increasing following distance to at least 8–10 seconds on snowy, slushy, or icy pavement.

What braking guidance does Mercury Insurance give for cars with ABS (MCY guidance)?

If equipped with ABS, apply firm, continuous pressure to the brake pedal so the system can pulse to prevent wheel lockup.

Why does Mercury Insurance (MCY) caution against using cruise control in winter?

They warn cruise control can cause you to lose control if the vehicle starts to skid on snowy or icy surfaces.

What distance does Mercury Insurance recommend keeping from snow plows (MCY recommendation)?

Mercury recommends staying at least four car lengths behind snow plows and snow removal equipment for safety and visibility.