Most Canadians know winter brings with it inclement climate that may make driving more difficult.
And whereas the vast majority of Canadians put together for winter by putting in winter tires and leaving further distance between their automobile and the one in entrance of them, All Makes Collision desires to remind all drivers of different less-practiced ideas to assist make your winter drive a protected one.
Earlier than you allow
Put on your seatbelt – It might appear apparent, however you must at all times put on your seatbelt. It could actually save your life. In keeping with Transport Canada, greater than 1 / 4 of drivers and passengers who had been fatally injured in a collision weren’t utilizing a seatbelt.
Flip in your lights – Don’t be a phantom automobile. Make sure that your lights are on. Not solely does it make your path clearer, however it additionally helps different drivers see you. The Authorities of Canada is making automated tail and headlights a regular lighting requirement for brand new automobiles offered in Canada as of 2021. For now, in case your automotive doesn’t have automated lights, ensure that to show them on.
Make sure that your view is evident – Don’t be that igloo on wheels. Clear ice and snow from all exterior home windows and mirrors earlier than you begin driving. Don’t neglect in regards to the within the automotive, both. Your AC can also be a dehumidifier—use it to clear foggy home windows for higher visibility.
Be ready – Preserve an emergency carkit in your automotive. You don’t have to spend some huge cash – most objects may be discovered in your house. Make sure to pack objects equivalent to gloves, hats, a blanket, a primary assist equipment, booster cables, a small shovel, a flashlight, and the rest that may assist preserve you protected in an emergency.
Put your cellphone away – Your cellphone is a crucial instrument, however you must by no means use it whereas driving. Determine what music you wish to hearken to, after which put your cellphone away. Make sure that your cellphone is charged, too.
When you drive
Preserve a full tank – At a minimal, preserve your tank half full. In the event you’re ever caught in an emergency on the street, you’ll be capable of run your automotive for brief durations of time to remain heat.
Don’t use cruise management – Cruise management is useful, however not on slippery roads. Keep attentive and be able to brake. One of the simplest ways to keep away from a skid is by driving at speeds which are protected for the climate and street situations. Keep in mind, velocity limits are posted for supreme climate, which suggests within the winter you must at all times drive beneath the velocity restrict.
Don’t depend on GPS – Winter driving security begins even earlier than you allow the driveway. First, test the climate forecast. Relying on the climate, your drive could take longer. If utilizing a GPS, don’t depend on the estimated arrival time. Add at the very least quarter-hour to your drive to permit for added site visitors on account of climate.
Protected braking – Correct braking is necessary to protected winter driving. Because it takes longer to cease on a slippery street, you must:
Depart extra distance than regular between your automobile and the automobile in entrance of you
Pay shut consideration to the street – as far forward as you may
Just be sure you don’t launch the brake pedal when the automobile is uncontrolled. Concentrate on steering with the brake pedal utilized exhausting
Skidding – Even cautious and skilled drivers can skid, so be ready. Skidding may be brought on by panic braking while you’re attempting to keep away from an impediment on the street. Decelerate. Enable further journey time and be very cautious while you brake, change lanes, make turns, and take curves.