Safe Winter Driving
During the winter, driving can be risky and difficult at times.
Before you can even think straight, you are slamming on the
brakes and plowing into a head-on collision. Unfortunately this
scenario plays out several times during the winter travel
season. As a seasoned driver you may think you can handle the
winter roads, but one factor that you may be overlooking is the
inexperienced, unaware drivers.
There are definitely tips and precautions you can put into
practice to make sure you are fully prepared for safe winter
travel. Do not try to act brave and assume no precautions need
to be taken because of your years of driving experience. As this
may be true, not even experienced drivers can always control a
car on ice. The ice overtakes control of the automobile leaving
you the one without control.
Here are some tips to plan and have organized before driving in
the winter:
1) Dress appropriately for the winter driving. In case of an
accident you want to keep warm in order to have free movement
and not be restricted. 2) View the weather reports on your local
station or go to The Weather Network to check on local
conditions before doing any winter travel. 3) Make sure you are
well rested and alert before you get into the car. During winter
driving, you need to be awake and have full attention on your
driving. 4) Prepare the car with non-perishable items and plenty
of water incase you are caught in a snow storm. Keep your cell
phone on at all times so you will be able to make that quick
call.
Now that you are ready to depart for winter travel, here are
some tips to help you stay safe while driving.
1) Allow extra distance between cars. 2) When you realize you
are on ice, accelerate slowly and brake steadily. Do not slam on
the brakes. Make sure you are continuously pumping the brakes
until you can come to a safe stop. 3) If you do start sliding on
the ice, make sure you always steer into the skid. This means
steer the car in the direction of the backend. Do not jerk the
car as this will send you into a spin. 4) If you have ABS,
remember in the winter weather this system will need more
distance to come to a complete stop. 5) The most important tip
is to stay alert and keep your eyes on the road at all times
during winter travel.
If you are unsure of how to drive in the winter, then you may
want to consider taking an advanced driving course for winter
weather. Here are a few winter driving courses to consider:
Ottawa Area -
http://www.mco.org/cms/index.php?name=Content&pa=showpage&pid=11
East GTA Area -
http://www.accentdrivingschool.com/course-driving-schedule.php
Eastern Ontario Area - http://www.drivingskills.on.ca/
West GTA Area - http://www.skidcontrolschool.com/
As always, the best option is to stay off the roads during
severe winter weather. If this is not an option, then make sure
to use the above tips to be prepared for your winter travel.