The Manitoba Driver, from Manitoba Public Insurance About 400 words Winter is again testing the driving skills of Manitobans and, if past records are any indication, we’ve got some work to do to improve our marks. In 2007, December, January and February had more traffic collisions than any other months in the year. And that trend holds true for eight of the last 10 years. “Ice and snow, combined with driving too fast for the conditions, are a surefire recipe for disaster,” says Lou Gervino, Manager of Driver Education and Improvement. “Posted speed limits are only intended for ideal road and weather conditions. When they worsen, it’s time to slow down.” Aside from the inherent dangers of slippery roads, falling snow also reduces visibility. Motorists should allow for more following distance and also make sure to keep windows clear of frost, snow and fog. It’s also a good idea to clear snow from headlights, taillights, licence plates and side rear view mirrors. Remove snow from the bottom of your boots before getting in the vehicle. You don't want your foot to slip off the brake pedal when you need to stop. Removing loose snow from the hood will prevent it from blowing into the vents and thus fogging up the inside of the windshield. Once under way you may have to open the windows slightly for better ventilation. It also helps to reduce fogging if you select the fresh air option on your heater and not recirculated air. During winter, it generally takes longer for vehicles to stop, longer for them to accelerate, and longer to get them from Point A to Point B. “People need to accept that poorer road conditions mean it takes longer to get around, and they should adjust their schedules accordingly,” Gervino says. Winter tires are an excellent idea. At the very least, you should make sure your all-seasons have good tread and that the tire pressure is appropriate for the type of conditions you’ll be driving on. Start off slowly and test your braking and steering to get a feel for the road surface. Avoid sudden directional changes, Gervino cautions. “People in four-wheel drive SUVs sometimes get lulled into a false sense of complaceny and think they can continue to drive like it’s July. Not so. You might accelerate fairly well, but all bets are off on stopping. --30-- © 2008 Manitoba Public Insurance
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