Driving Tips > Safety Columns
Drive for road conditions
With our unforgiving Manitoba winters, if you don’t adjust your driving behaviour for road conditions, you may be a collision waiting to happen.
Reduce speed
The top reason for winter car collisions is “driving too fast for the conditions.”
Remember, the speed limit is for ideal conditions – snow, ice and reduced visibility call for lower speeds. This sometimes means driving far below the speed limit.
Test the road and your vehicle
When you start driving, test your braking, acceleration and steering to get a feel for the road surface and adjust your driving accordingly.
Deal with reduced traction
Accelerate and brake gradually when there’s reduced
traction. As you approach an
intersection, scan for sand or bare pavement that your tires can grab onto and assist
you in stopping.
Increase your braking distance
Remember that your stopping distance increases with changes in road conditions. So when you are going to brake, make sure you start braking sooner than when you would under ideal road conditions.
Beware winter glare
It’s tough driving when there is a low-angle winter sun. Slow down, try to avoid looking right at the sun and use your sunglasses and visor. Ensure you are seen by using your headlights.
Location matters, too
Bridges and approaches to intersections can be especially slippery. Always increase and decrease your speed gradually and avoid changing lanes abruptly.
For more information, watch The 60-Second Driver on CTV, or view the following driving tips in the following sections on our website:
- Driving to Conditions in Driving Tips
- Speed Limits in Driving Tips
- You can access the 60-Second video on Driving to Conditions directly
