99TravelSafe.com
77 – Safe Driving in Winter!
The Website For The Smart and Savvy Traveler
Severe winter driving conditions may make you nervous, uncomfortable, or fearful. Stay off the road unless your trip is absolutely necessary!
Proper preparation and the right skills will help you face the challenge of winter driving.
Stay alert, slow down and stay in control — the three key elements to safe winter driving!
Drive according to current road and weather conditions!
Keep a safe DISTANCE between you and the vehicle in front of you!
AVOID situations where you may have to brake suddenly on a slippery surface!
Get your vehicle winter-ready with a maintenance check-up.
Do NOT wait for winter to have your battery, belts, hoses, radiator, oil, lights, brakes, exhaust system, heater/defroster, wipers, and ignition system professionally checked!
The condition of your vehicle's tires is important. Worn and damaged tires can hamper your ability to drive safely! Have them checked or replaced before winter begins. Remember to check tire air pressure frequently, as it DECREASES in COLDER weather!
While regular or "all-season" tires, including wide and high-performance tires, may be adequate in some areas, they may NOT be suitable for driving in severe winter hit areas. If you have to drive in these areas, consider using WINTER tires. They improve driving safety by providing better TRACTION and HANDLING through snow, slush, and on ice. Installing four winter tires provides greater control and stability. NEVER mix tires of different tread, size and construction.
CHECK the weather and travel conditions before heading out!
Do NOT take chances if the weather is bad. Allow yourself extra time for travel, or wait until conditions IMPROVE!
If you are traveling a LONG distance, plan your route ahead of time. Let someone know of your destination and expected time of arrival.
Wear comfortable clothing that doesn’t restrict your movement at the wheel. Keep warm clothing for getting out of your vehicle!
Clear snow and ice from ALL windows, lights, mirrors, and the roof. After starting your vehicle, wait for the FOG to clear from the interior of the windows so you will have GOOD visibility all around!
Make SURE your vehicle is mechanically ready for the rigors of winter and keep your gas tank sufficiently FULL — at least a HALF of a TANK is recommended!
Make sure you have sufficient windshield washer fluid in the reservoir and that it is rated in the -40°C temperature range! Keep an extra jug in the vehicle!
If you are in an area with cell phone service and have a cell phone, use it ONLY when necessary. When you need help, pull sufficiently off the road to make or receive a call.
Do NOT use cruise control in wintery conditions!
On The Road Visibility;
It is critical for drivers TO SEE and BE SEEN in LOW light conditions, and when blowing snow and white-outs impair your visibility. Turn ON your vehicle’s full lighting system in poor visibility.
Spacing;
It takes LONGER to stop on a slippery road. It’s important to leave plenty of space between you and the vehicle ahead. A guide to safe spacing under normal driving conditions is the two-second rule. In winter, and especially during poor weather conditions, DOUBLE the two-second rule!
The 2-second rule (4 secomds in winter!) is a technique used to estimate a safe following distance between your vehicle and the traffic ahead. It is a general rule of thumb taught in every driving school. The premise is that by following behind traffic by two seconds (4 secomds in winter!), you will have the time and space to brake safely!
Two second rule:
Pick a marker on the road ahead, such as a road sign or
telephone pole.
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When the rear of the vehicle ahead passes the marker,
count "one thousand and one, one thousand and two."
When the front of your vehicle reaches the marker, stop
counting.
If you reach the marker before you count "one thousand and
two," you are following too closely.
Braking
Make sure you know how to use your braking system in all
weather and road conditions. Consider taking an advanced
driving course that teaches emergency driving skills.
Skidding
In a skid, it’s important to regain control of your vehicle,
especially if it skids sideways. To do this, decelerate by
taking your foot off both the gas and the brake, step on the
clutch or shift to neutral, then look where you want your
vehicle to go and steer gently in that direction.
Snowy Roads
Snow on a road may be hard-packed and slippery as ice. It
can also be rutted and full of hard tracks and gullies. Or it
can be smooth and soft. Wet snow can make for slushy
roads. Heavy slush can build up in the wheel wells of
your vehicle and can affect your ability to steer.
Remember, look far ahead as you drive, so you can
recognize hazards and have plenty of time to respond.
Adjust your driving to the road and weather conditions. Slow
down and avoid sudden turns of the steering wheel, and
sudden braking and accelerating which could cause a skid.
Ice
Be careful when approaching shaded areas, bridges, and
overpasses, as these sections of road freeze much sooner in
cold weather and stay frozen long after the sun has risen.
Watch out for black ice, areas of the road that appear black
and shiny, as they can cause your vehicle to suddenly lose
traction. Slow down, keep your foot off the brake, and be
ready to shift to neutral or step on the clutch as your vehicle
crosses these areas.
Stopping Distances
In winter driving conditions, it takes all vehicles longer to
stop on snow-covered roads. Traveling at 90 kilometers per
hour, the stopping distance for the average passenger
vehicle on loose snow is 213 meters (697 ft.) or 54 car
lengths, compared to 121 meters (396 ft.) or 30 car lengths
on dry roads. For the average commercial vehicle, the
stopping distance jumps to 304 meters (996 ft.) or 14
tractor-trailer lengths.
Snow Spray
On snow-covered highways, large trucks and buses can raise
or blow snow onto your windshield leading to a sudden loss
of visibility. Always drive defensively and leave enough
space to avoid their snow spray. Know what to
do if it happens to you.
The Unexpected
If you get stuck or stranded, don’t panic. Stay with your
vehicle for safety and warmth. Wait for help to arrive. If you
are in an area with cell phone service and have a cell phone,
call for help.
Be careful if you have to get out of your vehicle when on the
shoulder of a busy road. If possible, use the door away from
traffic.
If you attempt to free your vehicle from the snow, be
careful. Dress warmly, shovel slowly and do not over exert
yourself.
Do not attempt to shovel or push your vehicle if you have a
medical condition. Body heat is retained when clothing is
kept dry. Wet clothing, due to the weather or perspiration,
can lead to a dangerous loss of body heat.
Draw attention to your vehicle. Use emergency flashers,
flares or a Call Police sign. Run your motor sparingly. Be
careful of exhaust fumes. For fresh air, slightly open a
window away from the wind. You may have to exit
your vehicle occasionally to make sure the exhaust pipe is
clear of drifting snow before running the engine.
Winter Driving Survival Kit
It’s a good idea to keep a winter survival kit in your vehicle.
Having essential supplies can provide some comfort and
safety for you and your passengers should you become
stranded. Recommended items
Ice scraper/snowbrush
Shovel
Sand or other traction aid
Tow rope or chain
Booster cables
Road flares or warning lights
Gas line antifreeze
Flashlight and batteries
First aid kit
Fire extinguisher
Small tool kit
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Extra clothing and footwear
Blanket
Non-perishable energy foods – e.g., chocolate or granola
bars, juice,
instant coffee, tea, soup, bottled water
Candle and a small tin can
Matches
In blizzard conditions, especially overnight, make sure one
person stays awake, because help could take some time to
arrive. Maintain circulation by moving your feet, hands, and
arms.