Winter Driving

Motorists can stay safe in the winter by driving safely. These tips can help you and your family get around safely over the winter season.

Be aware and be cautious. Weather conditions can deteriorate quickly or change as you travel.
Slow down. Posted speed limits reflect ideal conditions, not wet or snowy conditions.
Keep a safe distance between you and the vehicle in front of you. On slippery road surfaces, double the two-second rule.
Avoid sudden turns of the steering wheel, and sudden braking and accelerating that could cause a skid.
Avoid situations where you may have to break suddenly on a slippery surface.
See and be seen. Always clear ice and snow from all vehicle windows to maximize visibility, and turn on your vehicle's full lighting system when blowing snow and white-outs impair your visibility.
Make sure you know how to use your braking system in all weather and road conditions.
Allow more time to get to your destination. Extra time is required to negotiate snow-covered roads.
Invest in winter tires. They improve traction on the road during changing winter road conditions.
Always have plenty of windshield washer fluid to assist with visibility.

Make sure to clear all ice/snow from your vehicle. While travelling, ice/snow that has not been removed may dislodge and fly onto other vehicles. This may cause injury and/or damage.
Give yourself more distance between vehicles. This will give you enough distance to stop; and it may give you time to react if ice/snow, coming off another vehicle, is heading towards your vehicle.
Be cognizant that not all vehicles have the ice/snow removed. In the case of larger vehicles, like transport trucks, there may be ice/snow on the roof of their trailers.
Reduce your speed and drive according to the road conditions.
Give yourself more time to get to your destination.
Have your car winter ready. Having winter tires, proper windshield wipers can make you drive much safer.