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Other Issues > Winter Driving
Overview
Sometimes winter comes faster than we expect and we have a difficult time changing our driving habits to suit the conditions of snow and sleet. Imagine this: You are driving at 50 km/h. Suddenly, you see something in front of you – a car, a small child, a trash can – can you stop?
What if you were going just a few “clicks” faster? You could still stop in time… couldn’t you?
Speed, a crucial factor in winter driving, affects how quickly you can stop. In ideal conditions, a vehicle travelling 60 km/h will take 10.33 m (that’s over 30 feet) more to stop than a vehicle going 50km/h. This, combined with reduced visibility, following too closely and not paying attention to the road can spell disaster.
Winter Driving Hazards
- Reduced Visibility – Did you see that?
– One of the major hazards of winter driving is that our visibility
is greatly reduced. Falling snow, blizzards and even exhaust from other
vehicles makes it more difficult to scan the road and see everything around
us. What’s more is that winter days are shorter than summer days –
ever go to work in the morning when it’s dark and leave at the end
of the day and it’s still dark outside? A good habit to get into is
to drive with your headlights on – day and night. Believe it or not
but driving with your headlights on during the day actually helps other
vehicles to see you better.
Your vision might further be reduced by glare from snow banks and slick icy roads. Remember to keep a safe following distance and expect the unexpected. While weather does play a factor in collisions, Manitobans must remember to drive according to the conditions of the road! - Speed & Slippery Roads – A deadly combination. Regardless of the time of year, speeding is always an issue on Manitoba roads. In winter, it’s especially dangerous because the traction of the road is considerably reduced. Ice on roads at -1 degree C. is twice as slippery as ice at -18 degrees, so pay special attention at all times! Remember: speed limits are not goals, they are maximums under ideal conditions and slowing down will decrease your chances of getting into an accident!
- Vehicle Maintenance - Take care of your vehicle and it will take care of you! Winter can have tremendous adverse effects on your vehicle. A vehicle that is not properly maintained can leave you stranded on the side of the road. Frequent oil changes and checking tire pressure on a regular basis keeps your vehicle in better working condition. Over-inflation reduces the friction between your vehicle and the road and may cause skidding; under-inflation creates too much friction and causes excessive wear and tear on your tires. It also consumes more fuel, which means you’re paying more in gas than regular. Combine these factors with slippery roads and you have a recipe for trouble.
Top Ten Tips for Winter Driving
10 |
Reduce your speed when driving in less than ideal conditions |
9 |
Keep a safe following distance |
8 |
If you are in a skid, relax, release the brake and accelerator, look into the direction you want to go and steer |
7 |
Keep your headlights on DAY and NIGHT |
6 |
Always have all your fluid levels properly stocked – windshield washer fluid, brake fluid, gas, etc. |
5 |
SIPDE – Scan, Identify, Predict, Decide and Execute. |
4 |
Use your sun visor or sunglasses when driving on sunny days |
3 |
Beware of icy spots – bridges, overpasses, intersections and shady spots |
2 |
Accelerate and decelerate gradually! |
1 |
Be a defensive driver!!! |
