WINTER DRIVING TIPS

The Cornwall Police Service would like to offer some tips to ensure that our residents can reduce the risk of being involved in a collision.  Weather conditions can be unpredictable and places extra demands on your vehicle and your driving skills.  These are some of the tips which will better prepare you for the winter roads and how to adjust your driving speed to the weather conditions.

 Is your vehicle prepared to handle winter weather conditions?

• It is always recommended to perform a daily inspection of your motor vehicle before heading out.  Also, ensure to clear snow and ice from all the windows, lights, mirrors, bumpers and roof.  Good visibility is essential when operating a motor vehicle.

• Have regular maintenance checks done on your motor vehicle:  battery, belts, hoses, radiator, oil, lights, brakes, tires, exhaust system, heater/defroster, wipers and ignition systems checked.  Please ensure to keep your vehicle’s fuel tank sufficiently full and to have your – 40 F windshield washer fluid topped up.  You may want to consider a different grade of oil (viscosity) to ensure that your vehicle performs well during the winter months.

• During your inspection, ensure to check your vehicle’s tire air pressure as it decreases in cold weather.  Replace tires when the tread depth reaches 3 mm.  Test your braking system daily and don’t anticipate that your brakes will always function in the same manner at every intersection.   It takes vehicles longer to stop in winter weather conditions and driving downhill

• Once in a skid, steer in the direction of the skid.  Look at where you want your vehicle to go and steer toward that spot.  Be careful not to oversteer.  If you are on ice and skidding in a straight line, step on the clutch or shift to neutral.

• A winter driving survival kit is a great idea to keep in your vehicle.  Consider supplies such as booster cables, scraper, brush, fire extinguisher, a blanket, extra clothing and footwear, a first aid kid and flashlight with extra batteries.

• Give yourself plenty of time to get to your destination. Taking your time and reducing your speed, will allow you the time to react in order to prevent a collision.

• Always make sure to be properly dressed for the weather.  If you get stranded, don’t panic.  Stay with your vehicle for safety and warmth.  Wait for help to arrive.