As the temperature goes down and snow begins to fall on roads and cars, safe winter driving becomes an important part of the season. The unique hazards of the season require careful consideration if accidents are to be avoided.
Hence the team at Advanced Consulting and Training would like you to know 5 tips for safely driving in the winter.
1. Avoid Speeding
The ice that comes with the season makes roads slippery and the snow reduces visibility. Both factors increase the danger to drivers and pedestrians alike. This becomes even more dangerous if the drivers are moving fast.
Driving at a slower speed will reduce the risk to all road users and increase winter driving safety. It will give the drivers more time to react to and avoid any obstacles in their path. In the unfortunate case of an accident, the slow speed will reduce the impact of the collision.
2. Proper Tire Care
Tires are essential for safe winter driving. The traction they provide is necessary for motion and braking. During winter seasons, that traction is severely reduced. As such, you need to take extra precautions with your tires to ensure safety.
Getting winter tires for your car will improve the acceleration and braking of your car during this time. Since cold temperatures reduce air pressure, you should check your tires regularly to ensure their pressure stays in the optimal range. Also, look out for possible leaks and fix them immediately if you find them.
3. Use Increased Lighting
Visibility in the wintertime is hampered by falling snow and limited natural light; and, naturally, reduced visibility increases the risk of accidents occurring. The best way to combat reduced visibility is to improve the lighting produced by your car.
Using your headlights and tail lights will allow you to see better and make your vehicle visible to other road users. This will enable you to make better driving decisions and allow other road users to locate you even in a snowstorm. If you’re driving on the highway in blizzard conditions, make sure to drive slowly and keep your hazard lights on.
4. Careful Spacing and Braking
Ice on roads makes them slippery which increases a car’s braking time. The reduced ability to brake can contribute to unfortunate accidents and injuries. As such, drivers need to exercise caution when they need to turn and stop.
Leaving enough space between vehicles should mitigate the reduced traction caused by slippery roads. This will allow you and other drivers to safely slow down without hitting other vehicles, roadside objects, or pedestrians. Spacing also facilitates risk-free turning on curves and junctions.
If you brake too hard or jerk the wheel sharply on a slippery road, your vehicle could end up skidding. Skids make it almost impossible to control your vehicle. Extra spacing and careful braking allow you to avoid skids and the inevitable accidents that follow. If your vehicle comes with an Electronic Stability Control (ESC) system, pay attention to it when it turns on and react appropriately.
5. Create A Kit For Emergencies
If you find yourself in a bad situation, a sufficiently stocked emergency kit can help you survive until help arrives. The basic necessities for an emergency kit should include:
- Non-perishable food
- Water in plastic bottles
- Blankets and thick clothes
- A first-aid kit
- A flashlight with extra batteries
- A fire extinguisher
- Warning lights or road flares
- A small shovel, a scraper, and a snowbrush
- A tow rope
- Jumper cables
With a good emergency kit, any accident or bad situation in the wintertime can become survivable.
Advanced Consulting and Training – Leaders in Occupational Health and Safety Solutions
Staying safe while driving in the winter is a tricky but necessary endeavour. Following these winter driving tips will allow you to stay safe during this time and protect your vehicle as well.
Please contact us for any additional information you may need with regard to driving safely in the winter. Advanced CT provides numerous training courses to improve safety in various situations. Our Winter Driving Fundamentals course offers solutions to reduce the risk of driving in the wintertime with online resources to supplement our in-person teaching. No matter what your safety needs are, Advanced CT provides the best possible education to keep you safe.
