Wednesday, February 04, 2004

Drive Defensively In the Winter
North Bay, Ont.
While driving on winter roads adjust your speed to suit the weather and road conditions and pay more attention to your car and driving. Don’t forget you need to see and be seen. Make sure all windows are cleared of snow and ice (you could be charged with having no clear view, a $90 fine) and when visibility is poor, switch on your headlights (use low beams in white outs).

Icy conditions make for bad driving conditions. Roads can be very slippery in the winter so remember to leave more space between you and the vehicle in front. It takes 3-12 times longer to stop on icy roads. Be extra careful on bridges; bridges ice first when the temperature drops. And watch out for shady spots where ice may stay long after the sun has dried the rest of the road.

When driving on icy roads: avoid abruptly steering or braking, as well as over correcting; brake gradually to avoid locking the wheels; if the wheels lock up, ease up on the brakes until they unlock, then gradually reapply pressure; when you are braking and you want to turn, take your foot off the brake pedal (it is almost impossible to brake and steer on icy roads).

Be sure to check your tire pressure regularly. Air pressure fluctuates one pound for every 10 degrees Fahrenheit change in temperature. Low tire pressure causes poor vehicle handling, low resistance to hydroplaning, increased tire wear, and poor gas mileage.

Finally, you must remember to buckle up. If you are still not convinced that seatbelts hold you in the seat much more securely, thereby increasing your level of vehicle control, then consider this. In a front end collision, a 165 lb. man hits the windshield with a force of 3 tons! Disregard all previous excuses and buckle up!