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Winter driving tips from DCTI
Travel during the winter can be dangerous during the best of times. Here are some tips that you and your loved ones can use to arrive safely.
It’s that time of year again, when Canadians are faced with winter driving conditions. Travel during the winter can be dangerous during the best of times. Here are some tips that you and your loved ones can use to ensure that you arrive at your destination safely.
Before you start
• Make sure your vehicle is ready, such as having sufficient winter windshield washer fluid in the reservoir and an extra jug in the trunk.
• Clear all snow and ice from windows, lights, mirrors, roof, and hood.
On the road
Adjust your speed to the road conditions. Stopping distances can double when the temperature drops. Don't put yourself in the position of not being able to stop in time. If your vehicle is equipped with an outside air thermometer, then take advantage of it. Even though water freezes at 0 C (320 F), you should exercise caution even up to 50 C to allow for a variation between the thermometer and the actual road temperature.
Adjust your driving to the weather conditions.
Snow, sleet, or fog, can limit your stopping ability and visibility. Vehicle collisions are commonly caused because people drive as they would in fair weather. Ask yourself whether you could stop safely if a multi-car collision were to suddenly appear in front of you after driving through a patch of fog, rain, or snow. Also be sure to turn on your vehicle's full lighting system.
Use care when driving around a large truck, such as an 18-wheeler.
This is important to keep in mind year round, but during the winter months extra care needs to be taken. Travelling at 90 km/hr, the stopping distance for the average passenger vehicle on loose snow is 213 m (697 ft.), compared to 121 m (396 ft.) on dry roads. For the average commercial vehicle on snowy roads, the stopping distance is over 304 m (996 ft.). Because of this, do not cut in front of these vehicles on the roadway, especially when approaching a red light. The truck driver may need all of the room in front to stop. If your car is within the truck’s stopping path, a collision is likely to occur.
Remember to stay alert, slow down, and stay in control - the key elements to safe winter driving.
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