TIPS FOR WINTER DRIVERS

It pays to be prepared for the unexpected when driving in winter weather conditions. Alongside usual road hazards, cold and harsh weather conditions come with risks of black ice, low visibility, and other hazards that can make an otherwise simple driving experience more difficult. Make sure you are prepared for when the winter hits by doing the following:
 

• Make sure your car is in good working order, regular checking parts like the battery, brakes, heating, and windshield fluid.

• Avoid the risk of running out of gas or other threats by always keeping your gas tank at least more than halfway full during the winter.

• Put snow tires on your car, or at least all-weather radials that have adequate tread for your weather conditions.

• Maintain the best level of visibility at all times.

• Keep safety items in your car, such as blankets, gloves, jackets, matches, ice scrappers, chains, flashlight and batteries, first-aid kit, jumper cables, cellphone charger, energy bars, and more.

• When driving, make sure you pull out on to streets slowly, especially if there is low visibility caused by snow.

• Try to avoid making sharp turns so that you don't lose control of your vehicle in bad conditions.

• If your car has anti-lock brakes, you will need to press on them strongly if you start to skid on ice.

• If you start skidding, and do not have anti-lock brakes, gentle pump your brakes to try and regain control. If you try to slam your brakes, you may cause your wheels to lock.