It’s time to Shift into Winter, plan ahead and know before you go – winter is unpredictable so be prepared. Here’s some winter driving tips to help you and your family be winter ready!
Conditio
ns change. So should your speed. Slow down
Winter driving can more than double your risk of being in a crash in B.C. Conditions change and so should your speed. Slowing down can save your life – and the lives of others on the road.
Posted speed limits are for ideal driving conditions, during winter weather it’s safer to drive below the posted limit because it takes longer to stop on a slippery road. Look ahead and keep at least 4 seconds between you and the vehicle in front. Even the most experienced drivers can’t predict how their vehicle or other drivers will react in rain, snow or on ice.
Plan ahead and prepare your vehicle for winter driving
Winter weather is hard on your vehicle and its engine. ShiftIntoWinter.ca offers the following tips to make sure that your ride is up to the challenge:
- Every year, give your vehicle a pre-season maintenance check-up. Check your battery, fluids, wipers, lights, brakes, and heating.
- Make sure your vehicle is equipped with a winter emergency kit.
- Install a set of 4 matched winter tires. Winter tires with the 3-peaked mountain/snowflake symbol offer the best traction for faster stopping time and shorter stopping distance in cold weather, snow, and on
- All-season tires with the M+S (Mud and Snow) symbol offer better traction than summer tires and meet the minimum legal requirement for a winter tire. But, in severe winter conditions, they are less effective than the 3-peaked mountain/snowflake tires.
Plan ahead and prepare yourself for winter driving
Know how to drive for the conditions before you get behind the wheel. Even the most experienced drivers can’t predict how their vehicle or other drivers will react in rain, snow or on ice.
- Slow down to match road conditions. The posted speed limit is the maximum speed under ideal driving conditions.
- Maintain a safe following Look ahead down the road and keep at least 4 seconds of distance between you and the vehicle in front.
- Accelerate and brake slowly. On slick roads, start slowly and accelerate gradually to maintain traction and avoid spinning your wheels. When stopping, plan well in advance, apply the brakes gently, and slowly add pressure. Avoid braking suddenly.
Know before you go. If you have to travel, always check weather and travel conditions before heading out at DriveBC.ca. If the conditions are poor, avoid travelling. Even delaying an hour or two can make a difference.
If you have to travel, follow these safe driving tips:
- Make sure your vehicle is winter ready.
- Take the safest route. Check with the local municipality to see which roads have been prioritized for plowing and salting, and avoid driving on steep hills or in flooded area.
- Give yourself extra time to get to your destination.
- Tell someone where you’re going and when you expect to arrive.
- If you get stuck, stay with your vehicle.
- Have an emergency plan. If you get stuck or stranded, don’t panic. Stay with your vehicle for safety and warmth. If you have a cell phone and it is an emergency, call 911. Otherwise, call for roadside assistance.
Visit ShiftIntoWinter.ca for more tips on winter driving safety.