Driving on Snow & Ice – Safety

When there’s ice on the roads, my best advice is to stay off the roads!

Only drive if absolutely necessary. If you do find yourself driving, limit the number of distractions in your vehicle. Turn your radio off. Keep both hands on your steering wheel, and make sure not to have your cell phone in hand.

• Make sure that while you’re driving, accelerate and decelerate slowly. This helps to reduce your chances of skidding and helps you keep traction on the roads. The key is to take your time on the roads.

• Give yourself plenty of stopping room. On dry pavement, it’s suggested to put 3 – 4 seconds of distance between your vehicle and the vehicle in front of you. On wet/icy pavement, it’s suggested that you increase your distance to 8 – 10 seconds.

• Use extra caution in hilly areas. Don’t power up hills. As you reach the top of a hill, reduce your speed and proceed down the hill as slowly as possible.

• Again, if possible it’s best to stay home. If it’s not necessary that you leave your home, then stay in your house where it’s warm. Even if you drive well in the snow/ice/wintry weather, not everyone else can.

If your vehicle breaks down or stalls, here are a few safety tips:

• Pull off to the shoulder of the road where you are not in danger of getting struck by oncoming vehicles.

• Turn your Hazard Lights On, and call for help.

• If you need to leave your vehicle, wait for help away from your vehicle and allow traffic to pass.