Preparing for Safe Winter Driving
Learn the Skills of Driving in Winter and Stay Safe on the Road
Jan 11, 2009
Safety on the roads should always be a priority no matter what the climate. But when it comes to winter driving special care needs to be taken to insure that fender benders and serious accidents don't result from careless driving. Learning to adjust to winter road conditions requires forethought and planning ahead, as the Ontario (Canada) Ministry of Transportation's website advises, for example.The cardinal rule for winter driving is to drive defensively.
Prepare for Winter Driving
Before the first snow hits the ground, ensure that all cars are fitted with snow tires, anti-freeze and the right oil. Check the weather report before rushing out at the last minute. Being in a hurry will increase the chance of an accident. Inclement weather demands a ten to fifteen minute early start to get to the destination on time and that time has to include getting the car warmed up. Prepare for winter by insuring that emergency supplies are on hand when needed. A first aid kit, flashlight, flares, a blanket and candles will help ease the time it takes for a plow or the ambulance to arrive. Keep a shovel, sand, brushes and scrapers in the trunk.
Keep a Safe Distance
Tailgating is sure to lead to serious problems if the car ahead suddenly hits a patch of ice and swerves out of control. Adding an extra car length or two will make stopping in time to avoid a collision a whole lot easier and alleviate the stress associated with an accident.
Slow Down
Nothing is so important as to get there in a hurry. Being late for work is a forgivable offense under conditions of blowing snow and poor visibility. A car may be outfitted with the latest tires, but there is always the chance that a sudden gust or a jerk of the wheel will send the car spinning out of control. Drive at least 10 mph lower than the posted speed limit and even less in white-out conditions. If visibility is so poor, pull over by the side of the road and wait until the squall passes.
Pay Attention
Let the other passengers do the talking. Concentrate on the hazards on the road ahead. Chatting on the cell phone, applying makeup or anything that draws the hands off the wheel can lead to lane changes that create havoc with oncoming traffic. Being aware means staying awake. It means not daydreaming of surf and sand when snow and ice are the immediate priority. Be particularly alert of other drivers and their actions. A green light does not mean the other driver has the ability to stop on time. Use peripheral vision while paying attention to the road.
Check Those Emotions
It's easy to get frustrated when the time seems to move faster than the car. Impatience leads to mistakes. Give speedy drivers the right of way as they rush in their frantic efforts to meet their coroner. Don't try to compete with other drivers just to show off driving skills or the traction of those new winter tires. Winter driving is unforgiving as it is and no place to vent out road rage. While driving, take deep breaths. Or pull out to the side of the road and relax those tense shoulder and back muscles. Stress can kill even if all the other rules are obeyed.
Be thankful that snowstorms don't occur everyday. Still, preparation, keeping a safe distance, slowing down, paying attention and being considerate of other drivers will guarantee survival with the least amount of headaches. Just remember that drinking and driving is the only thing hazardous in any season.
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