Canadians are experienced when it comes to driving in the snow and ice, but statistics prove the first months of fall pose the greatest challenge for vehicle operators.
■ The most important precaution is to slow down and drive for the road conditions – the posted speed limits are intended for ideal road conditions, these speeds should decrease during ice storms, snow storms and slippery roads ■ Be alert! You may not always see the hazard – black ice may appear as shiny asphalt while dry pavement should appear grey or whitish-grey ■ The use of cruise control during slippery conditions is strongly discouraged – in the event of a vehicle skid, the vehicle operator should be in full control of the vehicle’s acceleration and deceleration ■ Cruise control is known to downshift a vehicle’s transmission in slippery road conditions and contribute to loss of vehicle control ■ Anticipate slippery conditions in intersections – snow and ice tend to become compact where vehicles continually start, stop and turn ■ Always approach an intersection with caution ■ For a vehicle with “good condition” tires and breaks (during optimal road conditions) it takes approximately 4.6 seconds to decelerate from 60 km/h to 0 km/h – this time should be doubled for ice or snow covered roads ■ Lengthen the vehicle following distance behind the car ahead of you ■ Steel and concrete bridges may be icy even when there is no ice on the ground surface – bridges over open air tend to cool down faster than roads which are insulated by solid ground ■ Allow for extra time when traveling in adverse conditions – asking yourself, “is this trip essential, or should I consider postponing the drive until the conditions change?”