At its annual meeting on Nov. 13,
MTA Benefits installed two new
directors to its Board and honored
one outgoing director. Standing,
from left to right, are MTA Vice
President Tim Sullivan, outgoing
Director Ryan Hoyt, MTAB President
Maryann Robinson, Director
Richard Liston and MTA Executive
Director-Treasurer Ann Clarke.
Seated in front, from left to right,
are MTAB Directors Kimberly Auger,
Bonnie Page and Lynn Howard.
Not pictured are MTA President
Paul Toner and new Directors
Gerry Ruane and Donna Johnson.
Photo by Bob Duffy
The many challenges of winter driving
H ere in Massachusetts, we pride ourselves on knowing how to drive in all types of weather. Wet leaves? Harsh road glare?
Downed power lines? We see it all. Sometimes, we
see it all in one day.
Winter driving in Massachusetts challenges
even the most seasoned road warrior. Snow and ice
present a variety of hazards. On sunny days, the glare
of ice-crusted snow makes the experience of driving
even more difficult.
Educators Insurance Agency wants to see you
get through another winter as safely as possible. EIA
has gathered some valuable tips to help you have a
happy and safe driving season, whether you’re a new
driver rushing to school or you’re playing “taxicab
parent.”
Check your tires
Your tires are your first line of defense against
skidding into another car or swerving around road
hazards. Tires need to maintain a proper grip on
snow, ice, sleet or road debris. At a minimum, you
should invest in all-season tires. Depending on the
terrain you typically drive on, you might prefer snow
tires or studded tires.
Beyond your initial investment in the proper
tires, take care to monitor tire pressure. In cold
weather, the air pressure in your tires drops, which
can mean less than optimal contact with the road
surface. Check your car’s owners’ manual for the
correct cold-weather inflation pressure for your tires.
And keep an eye on the treads: Over many seasons
and miles, tires wear out. Without proper treads, they
lose their ability to grip and can’t funnel water away
from the surface.
That’s perfect for ice skating, but a disaster for
driving.
Slow down
Equipped with the right tires or four-wheel
drive, you might feel more confident. Don’t think
that’s a license to speed down the highway or move
more quickly than less prepared drivers, however. As
other drivers may brake more erratically, hit patches
of ice or swerve to avoid hazards, your best bet is to
keep a safe distance and a slow speed; you can brake
and react to other vehicles more easily when your
vehicle is moving slowly. What’s more, you won’t
need to brake as aggressively, which will help you
avoid skidding.
And don’t be afraid of pulling back off both
the brake and the accelerator. If you start to skid
and your front tires lose traction, ease off on the
accelerator, the brake and the turn. As your steering
wheel goes back to neutral, your car’s weight will
shift forward onto the front tires, letting them find
their grip.
To learn more about auto insurance and
to determine whether you’re properly covered,
contact an advisor at Educators Insurance Agency
toll-free at 877.284.7646 or visit EIA’s website,
www.educatorsinsuranceagency.com.
This material is provided for informational purposes only and does not provide
any coverage. Policies are underwritten by The Hanover Insurance Company or one of
its insurance company subsidiaries or affiliates (“The Hanover”). Coverage may not be
available in all states and is subject to company underwriting guidelines and issued policy.
The MTA member discount is available to Massachusetts residents only. EIA is a member
of The Hanover Insurance Group, 440 Lincoln Street, Worcester, MA, 01653 LC 13-308.
ANNUAL MEETING
