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Winter Driving Tips
Winter road conditions can become hazardous with very little warning.
Follow these precautions to help make sure you and your family arrive
safe
every time you set out on the road.
- Let the road conditions dictate your speed. Remember that speed
limit signs only present guidelines for dry surfaces when
visibility is ideal. When the road has water, ice, or snow on it,
or when snow is blowing and making it hard to see, you should slow
down until you can be certain to retain control of your vehicle at
all times. In the winter, this will be much slower than the posted
speed limit.
- Leave more room between vehicles. Winter roads require much
greater stopping distances, and just because you can stop, you
can't be sure the other drivers will be able to. Make sure there
is enough space between your vehicle and the others on the road to
allow you to stop when traffic or road conditions change
unexpectedly.
- Change lanes or directions slowly. When you change the position of
your car to the left or right, or make a turn, it requires extra
friction to stay on the road. When the roads are wet, icy, or
snowy, make gradual changes and signal to other drivers well in
advance.
- Do you know when to pump the brakes or not? If you have anti-lock
brakes, DO NOT pump the brakes when stopping. Pumping the brakes
IS recommended for vehicles without anti-lock brakes.
- Use extra caution on bridges and overpasses. When the cold winter
winds blow, bridges and overpasses develop ice more quickly than
other road surfaces. Make sure to carefully assess the conditions
of bridges and remain attentive of the road surface.
- Keep an eye out for deer. During the winter months, deer
congregate together in large groups. If one is near the edge of
the road, or crosses in front of you, more are certain to be close
by. In rural areas, they are especially active during hunting
season. Do NOT assume that a deer will get out of the way of your
car. Slow down, flash your lights, and wait to proceed until the
deer is out of range.
- Show your holiday spirit. Frustration can cause tragic
consequences with unsafe driving. Keep your cool, take a deep
breath, and remember that everyone needs to get back home safely.
Don't let your holiday be cut short by an auto accident. Stay
awake, aware, and in control of your car.
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