15 Ways to Stay Safe on Winter Roads

 

- First published in January 2012 Fleet Safety Newsletter

Many company drivers get into a near crash or crash situation because they don’t take a few simple precautions when driving in winter conditions.

  1. When driving on snow-covered roads, use gentle braking, steering and acceleration.
  2. For the best steering control, hold the steering wheel at a 9 and 3 o’clock position.
  3. Watch your speed and drive to conditions. Many drivers think that speeding is driving above the maximum speed limit. But speeding can also refer to traveling too fast for weather, road or traffic conditions.
  4. Always plan your routes prior to your trip.
  5. For added safety, increase the space between you and the vehicle in front. By leaving more space, you give yourself more time to react to avoid collisions on winter roads. In Alberta in 2010, there were 3,326 casualty collisions due to following too close.
  6. Carry a winter survival kit that includes blankets, non-perishable food, candles, traction mats, a shovel, booster cables, extra clothing and footwear.
    7. AMA Fleet Safety News - Winter Driving Reminders
  7. Prior to the drive, remove all snow from your vehicle's hood, roof, windows and lights.
  8. Clear all windows of frost and fog.
  9. Always have a full tank of fuel when going on rural roads; you don’t want to run out of gas in an emergency, and a less-than-full tank is at greater risk of condensation and may cause gas-line freezing.
  10. Look well ahead and watch for black ice at temperatures between +4°C and -4°C, where the road surface ahead looks black and shiny.
  11. Always slow down before an icy area; be aware of ice build-up at intersections, ramps and bridge decks.
  12. If stuck, make sure the tailpipe is not blocked by snow to keep carbon monoxide from getting into the vehicle.
  13. If your vehicle is not at risk of being hit by other drivers, stay inside the vehicle so you have shelter and are easier to find. You risk getting lost if you leave your vehicle, or worse, suffer from exposure to the cold.
  14. Never use cruise control on wet or icy roads. Remember, cruise control is designed for ideal road conditions.
  15. Lastly, check your highway route before you leave the house or job site. Go to www.ama.ab.ca/RoadReports for the latest road reports and up-to-the-minute live images from web cameras at various highway locations across the province.