22/12/2012
Safe Winter Driving
Winter driving can be hazardous and scary, especially in northern regions that get a lot of snow fall. Additional preparations can help make a trip safer, or help motorists deal with an emergency.
The three P’s of Safe Winter Driving: PREPARE for the trip; PROTECT yourself; and PREVENT crashes on the road.
PREPARE
Get your vehicle ready for winter. Winter weather is hard on your vehicle and its engine. Get a complete check-up of your vehicle:
Battery: Your motor needs a fully charged battery to start in cold weather. Clean battery posts and check the charging system and belts. Replace weak batteries before they fail.
Ignition system: Replace defective ignition wires, cracked distributor caps and worn spark plugs, since they can make starting difficult or may cause a sudden breakdown.
Lights: Make sure that all lights work and that headlights are properly aimed.
Brakes: Worn brakes may require a greater distance to stop. Get the brakes checked.
Tires: Check pressures often, especially before any highway driving. Properly inflated, high quality winter tires will give you best traction on winter roads and increase fuel efficiency.
Exhaust system: Check for leaks that could send deadly carbon monoxide into your vehicle.
Heating and cooling system: Check your radiator hoses and drive belts for cracks and leaks. Make sure the radiator cap, water pump and thermostat work properly. Test the strength and level of the coolant/anti-freeze, and make sure the heater and defroster work well.
Windshield wipers: Make sure that your wipers are in good condition. Keep some cloth / paper for cleaning windows.
Mental Preparation:
· Visibility will be low and road may be slippery.
· Journey Risk Management - Planning your journey
· Driver should be poised as far as possible (Keep
scanning the road; avoid fixed stare).
See and be seen
· Switch on your head lights (low beam) even during
the day
· Travel with windows partially open.
· Remember cyclists, pedestrians and others may
travel without any lights.
Parking of vehicles:
· Pull vehicles completely off the road in a safe
area.
· Switch on your parking lights
· Do not park near bends/curves/railway gate
intersections.
PROTECT YOURSELF
· Buckle up and use child safety seats properly.
· Never place a rear-facing infant seat in front of an air bag.
· Children 12 and under are much safer in the back seat.
PREVENT CRASHES
· Drugs and alcohol never mix with driving.
· Slow down and increase distances between cars.
· Keep your eyes open for pedestrians walking in the road.
· Avoid fatigue – Get plenty of rest before the trip, stop at least every three hours.
