Drive safely this winter

By Susan Hofforth

Winter isn’t summer, and driving isn’t the same. Stay safe on the roads this year by keeping your automobile and your driving skills in top condition. Here are some important points from Alberta Transportation to help with navigating Alberta’s frosty roads and highways.

As winter approaches, get your vehicle ready. Check all parts of the vehicle to make sure they are in excellent condition. The tires and the spare, the battery, belts, and hoses, the anti-freeze, the brakes, the heaters, the defrosters, and the windshield wipers are all things you want to be working every morning, and in an emergency. It is also important to keep your gas tank more than half full all winter to help reduce moisture buildup in your fuel system.

Before you set off, clear your car completely of snow. Don’t leave any snow on the windows, mirrors, lights, or license plates. Buckle up and keep your headlights on; they are safer than the daytime running lights when there is fog or snow.

Drive according to the speed limit, or even below it, if conditions call for it. Signal early, check your mirrors, and always shoulder check before changing lanes. Don’t make any sudden moves as this can surprise other drivers or cause you to brake or skid out of control. Always allow extra time for stopping distance, especially when the road is slick. Be patient when coming up to snowplows, and keep well back. When it is safe to do so, the snowplow operators let vehicles pass every five to eight kilometers

Braking takes a special skill in the winter. Know how your brakes work and how they react to ice, and always be gentle with the pressure. It’s best not to use cruise control in the winter to avoid having to use the brakes to slow down. If the vehicle starts to slide, take your foot off the brake and let the vehicle slow down by itself. Brake when the vehicle regains its grip on the road. Also, never brake on a curve; drive through them at a safe, steady speed. As for hills, accelerate just before the hill, and maintain speed going up.

Carry an emergency kit and a cell phone in the car with you. Always keep an eye on where you are to help emergency crews find you. Stay safe!