Winter Driving Safety Tips

Winter driving safety tips could help you to save your life and others. It’s all about confident driving; do not panic. Think before you act.

Stay alert, Slow down & Stay in control. In other words, drive with caution.

Never follow too closely; Always keep safe following distance.

NEVER Drive over the speed limit or too closer; always keep a safe following distance. Above all, drive according to the road and the weather conditions, because of SAFETY FIRST.

Communicate with other road users around you. In other words, Drive with respect for other road users.

Winter Driving Safety Tips: Firstly, in winter we alter our style of driving to cope with the ever-changing road and weather conditions. We:

• do things sooner and more smoothly
• prepare ourselves mentally for driving adverse conditions
• maintain our vehicles for the winter weather.

Winter Driving Safety Tips: Secondly, prepare your vehicle by having a winter tune-up. The includes:

• belts, hoses, battery, radiator, oil
• coolant/anti-freeze, lights, brakes
• windshield wipers, exhaust system, heater
• defroster, ignition, electrical system.     
• Keep a safe following distance

In addition, Always:

• ensure that snow and ice are cleared from the windshield, side window and rear windows, roof, lights, and mirrors, before heading out for the reason of clear view.
• Keep the washer fluid reservoir full with a spare gallon in the trunk.
• make sure your cell phone is fully charged.
• Never let the gas tank fall below the half-full level.
• Remember, it is always illegal to exceed the posted speed maximums.
• Maneuver slowly and smoothly, because sudden acceleration or braking could result in a skid.

In bad weather, before a vehicle passes you from either direction, get the windshield wipers and washers going beforehand.  Certainly, this will ensure your windshield remains clear.

The posted speed maximums are for ideal conditions. However, under adverse conditions, the maximum speed is your good judgment – slow down.

If embarking on a long trip, advise someone of your route, destination and expected the time of arrival.

Winter survival kit

Have a winter survival kit in the vehicle. The kit should include items such as:

• ice scraper and brush
• snow shovel
• sand or other traction aid
• extra washer fluid
• traction pads or sand
• jumper cables
• blankets and extra warm clothing

• non-perishable food and water
• mats, candle and spare batteries
• first aid kit and small tool kit.
• flashlight
• flares
• good spare tire, jack and wheel spanner

In conclusion, be prepared, take extra caution.  In addition, always predict the worst.

• Before you start to drive, prepare for your trip, check your vehicle.
• While we are driving, Drive with extra caution.