Top 10 Tips for Winter Driving

Top 10 Winter Driving Tips

Unlike many U.S. motorists, Canadian drivers must learn to drive in severe winter conditions. Snow, ice, and several other factors can affect everything from visibility to traction. And while a good portion of winter-driving best practices boil down to good old-fashioned common sense, there are many things to consider before getting behind the wheel in the wintertime.

• Winterize Your Car : This means more than just putting snow chains on the tires. A thorough inspection of the spare tire, belts, battery life, and brakes, as well as checking the anti-freeze and tires, can help keep your car on the road.
• Be Prepared : It's always a good idea to have an emergency kit in your car. These compact pouches have everything from water rations to road flares. Even if you never need to use it, you could save someone else's life if you come across an accident and they are without an emergency kit of their own.
• Clear Off Your Car : If it's freezing, most people want to just hop in their car and be on their way. But if you don't take the time to properly defog your windows, your visibility will be severely hindered. In addition, snow and ice that may have accumulated on top of your car may not affect your own personal drive, but chances are it will fall off at some point, and could spell trouble for the unlucky motorist behind you.
• Watch for Imperfect Roads : The elements can wreak havoc on a road. Constant rain, snow, and ice can create potholes and other dangers. So even if it's a road you're frequently driving, be aware that changes may occur.
• Slow Down : Obviously, snow and ice and even rain can create hazardous conditions. The general rule is that when hazardous conditions arise, it's best to reduce your overall speed by 10 to 20%. Don't feel the need to go as fast as the posted speed limit tells you. Safety comes first.
• During a Storm : Because the decrease in visibility is so dangerous, it's best not to travel during a storm. If you can avoid getting behind the wheel during a blizzard or heavy rainfall, do it.
• If You are Sliding Out : When it comes to an icy road, braking becomes a whole new ballgame. If your car begins to skid, the best thing to do is take your foot off the brake, and steer in the direction you want to go. Once your wheels grip the road again, press firmly and smoothly on the brakes. If you are driving a rear-wheel brake vehicle, steer in the opposite direction, just enough to prevent a counter skid.
• Dealing with Hills : When heading up a slippery hill, accelerate slightly when approaching so that you can maintain a steady pace while climbing. When going down a hill, downshift to stay in control of your vehicle.
• Increase Your Distance : Even if the weather is mild, you should increase your following distance by 2 to 3 times. It's always difficult to gauge just how much additional stopping distance you will need when the road is slick.
• Prepare : If you can accurately anticipate any lane changes or turns, you will be able to minimize the risk for sliding out in the first place.

A lot of these tips are preventative, a few are reactionary, but all are good to keep in mind when driving in the winter. Keeping these at the front of your mind can mean the difference between a close call, and a tragedy.