Fifteen Habits of Safe Winter Drivers
- Go Slow in the Snow. Tempers are frayed, traction is at a premium, it's
hard to see and all the kids are complaining. Do everything more slowly –
including starting, stopping and turning. This will help you keep control
of your vehicle. It will also reduce the damage to life and property should
an accident occur.
- See And Be Seen. Don't be a peephole driver. You need a full 360° of
visibility, so clear all of your car windows and mirrors replenish your washer
fluid and wipe off the wiper blades. While you're at it, clean off the headlights
and taillights so that other people can see you as well.
- Get a Full Checkup. Before the season starts, have a qualified mechanic
perform each item of vehicle maintenance recommended by the manufacturer.
- Pack a Winter Survival Kit. The essentials include:
- Warm clothing and a blanket.
- Cell phone with automotive charger.
- High energy snacks and water.
- Ice scraper, brush and snow shovel.
- Empty coffee can, filled with candles and matches.
- First aid kit, including non-prescription pain medications.
- Essential medicines prescribed by your doctor.
- Paper towels.
- Signaling devices, including a reflective triangle, whistle and a distress flag.
- Heavy duty flashlight (with plenty of spare batteries).
- Jumper cables.
- Pocket knife.
- Duct tape.
- Hammer and adjustable pliers.
- Tire gauge.
- Traction material such as sand, clay-type kitty litter or a traction mat.
- Games, puzzles or pack of playing cards.
- Tank Up. Driving with a full tank of gas helps to prevent fuel line freeze-up
and provides extra ballast in the rear of the vehicle. But most importantly,
if you get stuck or break down, you'll have the fuel to operate your engine
(though sparingly!) for a longer period. This could mean the difference between
life – and freezing to death.
- The Road Trip Workout. Driving while tired is just as dangerous as driving
while intoxicated. Your head, neck, and back muscles can become knotted from
the stress of driving in bad weather. Eye strain is also a serious problem.
Take frequent rest stops. A brisk walk around the parking lot and some deep
breathing are good ways to revitalize. If you're stuck in traffic, or it's
too nasty to walk around outside, try the Road Trip Workout. These exercises,
discussed in Section IV, can be done without leaving your seat.
- Beware 4WD Overconfidence. Your SUV will absolutely get you going easier
in the snow and ice. You're also more likely to survive if you crash into
a smaller vehicle. But, on the other hand, SUV's are harder to handle and
take longer to stop. While your vehicle-weight advantage works against you
in a collision with a larger vehicle or immovable object like a bridge abutment.
- Steer Clear of Road Rage. Be wary of those around you, winter can drive
some people to their breaking point. One fourth of the drivers in a recent
AAA survey admitted to becoming angry with other motorists. If you encounter
such an individual, try not to make eye contact and move away by changing
lanes or slowing down. Then call 911 before someone really gets hurt. Never
indulge the road rage by trying to get even – you're more likely to get
dead!
- Signal Your Intent. Give turn signals sooner than usual. Avoid the passing
lane. Don't cut off other drivers (particularly trucks and SUV's – because
they will have a harder time stopping to avoid hitting you). If you have either
stopped unexpectedly, or anticipate having to stop suddenly because of problem
up ahead, alert the drivers behind you by toggling on your emergency flashers.
By providing a 'heads up,' you reduce the likelihood that trailing motorists
will plow into your vehicle. Everyone knows 'a little courtesy won't kill
you.' But when it comes to winter driving, an act of simple courtesy can
save your own life.
- Observe the Two Second Rule. Watch the rear bumper of the car in front as
it passes a sign, post or other landmark on the side of the ride. Now count
two seconds (one thousand and one, one thousand and two). If your car passes
the landmark before you finish counting, you're going too fast for you to
safely stop if the car in front slams on the brakes. During severe winter
weather (and especially if you are driving an SUV) you should probably maintain
at least three or even four seconds of separation.
- If You Start to Skid, Pick ONE Thing to Do. Steering, braking and accelerating
all demand their share of the scarce traction between your tires and the slippery
road. By concentrating on just one thing at a time, you increase the chances
of regaining control of your vehicle. Unless you have no choice, concentrate
on steering first - and always steer INTO the direction of the skid
regardless of what your instincts are demanding.
- Never Pump Antilock (ABS) Breaks. If you need to make a panic stop, apply
firm pressure to the break pedal and leave it there until you've come to full
stop. Don't be put-off by the rumbling sounds, that's just the computer doing
its job.
- Don't Sweat It. Winter is different than the other seasons – it's cold!
And when the wind is blowing, you can begin to freeze to death within minutes.
Add and remove layers of clothing as necessary to maintain a comfortable body
temperature. Don't overexert (particularly if you need to shovel out your
vehicle). Sweating dramatically increases the risk of hypothermia because
wet clothes conduct heat away from the body five times faster. Staying dry
means staying alive.
- Practice Makes Perfect. Winter driving is very different from fair weather
motoring. There's a lot to learn, and much of it goes against your untrained
intuition. So you need to practice on the ice or snow in a big empty parking
lot. During daylight hours, rehearse various maneuvers – slowly. Purposely
steer into a skid, stomp on the brakes and then suddenly accelerate. Keep
at it until safe winter driving becomes second nature. Get into the habit
of testing the road conditions the first thing when you venture out in the
morning. You don't want any unpleasant surprises.
- Just Say No! Most winter driving accidents happen within the first few hours of a storm. The simplest way to avoid becoming a statistic is simply this: DON'T GO until the roads are cleared! While if you're suddenly caught in severe weather, have the courage to 'declare an emergency' and head for a safe haven. 'Loss of face' is nothing compared to loss of life.
Used Car Classifieds 
Ontario Canada
