Go slow and anticipate upcoming obstacles and traffic lights. France has a good road network and I have not ever had any problems driving there in the winter, snow or otherwise. All-wheel and four-wheel-drive are helpful, too, especially when vehicles with these features also have higher ground clearance. Tire Chains. Slamming on brakes in ice, snow or rain should be avoided because it can lead to hydroplaning. Here's how to drive safely on ice and snow | CNN 6. Chapter 11 Driver's ED: Hazardous Driving Conditions. Even the most experienced motorists can use a refresh on top safety tips read on to learn the top five golden rules for safe winter driving and the advanced technology onboard the all-new Qashqai that is designed to reduce stress and fatigue. They can also advise residents, as they did in Texas and Iowa, to avoid driving unless necessary. You should keep a jacket, blanket, and gloves in your car in the event you find yourself stranded in the cold, and keep some sort of high visibility items, like reflectors, that you can deploy outside your stopped vehicle. Question When driving in winter, which of the following should receive extra attention in a pre-trip inspection? These basic safety measures help you maintain and regain control of your car, give you more time to prepare for dangerous patches of road think ice, snow, curves, or damaged street surfaces and, equally importantly, they put space between you and other drivers who may not be so cautious. Only comments that are relevant to the article and add value to the Your AAA community will be considered. By getting your car ready for winter and using some simple tips to drive safely, you can face almost any weather Mother Nature decides to send your way. Required fields are marked *. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, 1200 New Jersey Avenue, SE Driving in the winter can be hazardous. This will reduce the danger of slipping. Subaru WRX STI According to Autobytel, 2015 Subaru WRX STI comes from a long line of cars designed to tackle snow head-on. Copyright 2023 Canada Safety Council. The advice is especially important when driving uphill. Be sure to anticipate what your next move is going to be to give yourself lots of room for turns and stopping. This function helps your vehicle gain traction on snowy, icy or wet surfaces, particularly when accelerating from a stopped or slowed position, or when trying to make it up a slippery hill. Slow down immediately but again, moderately at the sight of brake lights, skidding vehicles or emergency lights. Thousands of people are injured each year in car accidents that occur in snowy, icy, or slushy conditions. Winter driving can sometimes be a daunting task, especially when conditions are snowy or icy. Automotive technology improvements have improved the safety of car occupants. Our Paris expert shares his tips and tricks for navigating the city like a pro. The drive tires must provide traction to push the rig over wet pavement and through snow. "Snowy roads and intersections often get packed down to a 'two-track' of darker, slippery snow or ice," Rogers said. If you are going up a steep hill, make sure you have enough inertia to make it up and that you wont have to stop at any point on it. "Once (antilock brakes) are activated you are at, or beyond, the traction limit of your tires," he said. If you must climb such an incline, try to get a little momentum going and let that carry you up. c. Stay in the car, leave the car running, and turn on your emergency flashers. They are needed for safe driving. In winter, pay special attention to your vehicles battery, wipers, coolant, tires and other systems that can take a beating when the temperature drops. Remove ice from the radiator shutters. Should I be using different gasoline in the winter versus the summer? Winter Driving Safety | NHTSA There is more snow in the East and of course the Alps if they go that far. Some restrictions apply. [CDL Handbook: Driving in Winter], It a great app to study for your CDL tests, Your email address will not be published. Always have your oil changed per manufacturer recommendations. Headlights and high beams can be dangerous in heavy fog or snow, as the light reflects off the particles in the air and reduces your visual acuity. Make sure the windshield wiper blades are in good condition. Even if you have all-wheel- or four-wheel-drive, she added, it will still take you just as long to stop as vehicles with . As motorists most trusted advocate, AAA is here to help keep you and your vehicle safe this winter. It is almost unthinkable to say they will drive on "snow covered" roads - at worst there may be some snow on the road while it is snowing but the salt put down mostly melts this and then the ploughs come along to clear the surface. Dirt and grime on headlight lenses can significantly reduce their effectiveness, and youll want your lights working properly to offset diminished visibility caused by winter storms. Bryon Houlgrave/Des Moines Register, via Associated Press, pileup that involved more than 100 vehicles, warnings about hazardous driving conditions. If the check engine light is flashing this indicates an engine misfire that could be a result of a malfunctioning ignition system, Paul said. If the weather is bad, stay home. This AAA guide to winter weather driving is full of tips and other info to keep you safe on the roads this season. The salt used to treat the roads can well up in the wheel arches so kick it loose if it builds up, but this is extremely unlikely in 2 weeks. You also shouldnt drive if youre fatigued. According to the US Department of Transportation, Winter tires have larger gaps in their tread patterns, Rick Ricart, president of Ricart Automotive Group. Measure tread depth with a quarter rather than a penny. Review your owners manual to see if your air filter needs to be replaced. Stay at least six cars behind a snow plow and never pass them. Dont let speed limits dictate how fast you travel. Step 2: Drive smoothly and slowly. My Car Does What? He added you can increase your safety "by improving traction with better tires, preferably dedicatedwintertires which are designed to deliver the best traction whenwinterweather is at its worst.". Which of the following about winter driving is not true? Turn on your lights to increase your visibility to other motorists. Never use cruise control if conditions are snowy, icy, or wet, because if your car hydroplanes, your car will try to accelerate and you may lose control of your vehicle. I must have missed the snow in Melbourne this year! While of course driving at an unsafe high speed is the most dangerous thing you can in bad driving conditions, going too slowly is also more dangerous during the winter than in any other season. Check to see if your exhaust pipe is clogged. Winter conditions compound the severity of potential accidents, breakdowns, or other automotive mishaps. Anti-lock braking system (ABS) helps you steer in emergencies by restoring traction to your tires and is standard on most new vehicles. Remember its a highway, he said. In fact, in 2019, there were an estimated 182,000 police-reported crashes that occurred in wintry conditions. If not, dont be afraid to use floor mats or other items in your car for warmth. You and everyone in your vehicle should be wearing seat belts for every ride. "You need to have patience in the morning and let your car warm up and the engine expand. Ask the car hire company to make sure that the car has "winter" tyres - I didn't know about these until I left the UK but they have a deeper tread and are better at displacing water so safer during winter months. Increase your following distance enough so that you'll have plenty of time to stop for vehicles ahead of you. Another way to check is to hold it up to a bright light. Brakes Check brakes and adjust to ensure equal braking. You should not use cruise control on icy or slippery roads. Stay Home. Traction aids (sand, salt, non-clumping cat litter, traction mats). Even if you have all-wheel- or four-wheel-drive, she added, it will still take you just as long to stop as vehicles with rear- or front-wheel-drive. "If you are going slow enough, you should be able to navigate around it," Mr. Explanation Take more free practice tests for other CDL topics with our. Windows and Mirrors. Rear tires should have a tread depth of at least 2/32 an inch. Driving too quickly is the main cause of winter collisions. Take our free sample driving test - no registration required! Take the ditch, Mr. Gent said. Keep windshield and windows clear. Drivers should also slow down, it says. Excellent information/reminders! Drive slowly. Winter blend fuel has higher pressure because the fuel must be able to evaporate at low temperatures for the engine to operate properly, especially when the engine is cold. PDF Driving - Winter Driving - Canadian Centre for Occupational Health and If light can be seen through much of the filter, its still clean enough to work effectively. (d.) Stay in the car, turn on your emergency flashers, use the engine sparingly, wait for help. ta.queueForLoad : function(f, g){document.addEventListener('DOMContentLoaded', f);})(function(){ta.trackEventOnPage('postLinkInline', 'impression', 'postLinks-9004002', '');}, 'log_autolink_impression');Paris region and coastal areas of the North West or Atlantic coast then they are less likely to see snow (still possible of course). In winter, drivers should never let their fuel tank get below: 10%, 25% or 30%? Alongside enjoying the cold and icy landscape, you will need to get around somehow, presumably by car. If youre traveling across a bridge at the start of a storm, keep in mind that the surface will likely freeze before typical roads. Simply take your foot off the gas and point the steering wheel in the direction you want to go. Mobile phone pre-programmed with rescue apps and important phone numbers including family and emergency services. (Were here 24/7 to help!). Don't let them ruin your day give them room on the road.". Once you have rounded the corner you can accelerate again. We went to an expert to learn more about proper tire care and maintenance. 13 Examples of conditions where drivers may find themselves driving too fast include: wet roadways (rain, snow, or ice), reduced visibility (fog), uneven roads, construction zones, curves, intersections, gravel roads, a. You may find yourself in conditions where you can't drive without chains, even to get to a place of safety. Doing so could lead to deadly carbon monoxide flooding the cabin. And even at 32 degrees, it can take up to 30% more power to crank over a cold engine.. All Rights Reserved. Gross said. Links Even if your vehicle is ready for winter and you follow all of the winter driving tips spelled out here, there is a chance you could be stuck with your vehicle for an extended period of time. You've had snow in Melbourne this winter, so they should be well practiced : - ). In cold weather, this solution can freeze and damage the washer system. If youre embarking on a long-distance trip, check out weather reports or weather apps before you leave. Instagram. Pick a car cover that breathes and resist the urge to fire up the engine once a week during the winter, because that can actually cause damage, Paul said. Once the car is running, youve dialed up your favorite radio station and your seat belt is fastened, drive reasonably until the engine comes up to operating temperature. A general rule for driving on slippery conditions is drive slowly. Make sure that mirrors, all windows, and the top of your vehicle, are free of snow or frost before getting onto the road. Winter is the most difficult driving season and requires extra caution from drivers. 5 Great Cars for Driving in Snow and Ice - Compare.com We focus on eliminating the leading causes of preventable injuries and deaths. Unexpected things happen when driving in winter weather conditions, like cars driving over patches of ice. Take precautions to ensure you arrive safely at your destination. 1 Stay Home The number one way to avoid a car crash is by not driving. YOUR EMAIL ADDRESS WILL NOT BE PUBLISHED. Manoeuvres are more difficult to make in the snow. Dont ignore the light; have the tire pressure checked and corrected as necessary, Paul said. Dont make any abrupt turns or stops when driving. The guide advises drivers to choose warm, comfortable clothing. If you turn your engine on to help defrost the car, make sure you dont leave the engine running in an enclosed area, like your garage. Doing so transfers your vehicles weight from the front to the rear and often helps vehicles to regain control. All loans are subject to credit approval, appraisal and satisfactory title examination where applicable. Dont power up snow-covered hills. Keep up to date with the latest information and updates from AAA Northeast. Very practical information.. even if someone is an experienced driver, it is a good review.Thank you for sharing. Your vehicle is set and your seat, seat belts and mirrors are in the correct positions. Explanation You should not use cruise control on snow, in rain, in fog, or under similar hazardous conditions. Here are some tips to make sure you are doing it the right way. Thank you! Regular tune-ups and maintenance are the starting point for safe driving year-round. Before venturing out into the icy roads, check the weather to make sure that you wont get caught in a storm. if it snows here, it doesn't settle on the ground! A Brief History of Car Paint. You can leave your dome lights on at night, too, another reason youll want to have had your battery checked. For cars without ABS, gently pump your brakes. Trademarks and brands are the property of their respective owners. What if I dont want my car out in the snow? Hills are a problem for first time drivers learning to drive a stick shift and for driving in the winter. Ski and Snowboard Safety Shovel Snow Safely Flu Vaccination Facts Driving in the winter can be harrowing, especially in snowstorms and icy conditions. the hood, roof, and top of trunk). Basic toolkit (screwdrivers, pliers, adjustable wrench). Gross said it was crucial to maintain a distance from the car ahead of you, employing at least three seconds of distance between you and the car ahead of you meaning you should be able to count at least three seconds between when the car ahead of you passes a landmark and when your car passes the same point. Theyre warm, allow movement and are good inside and outside your vehicle. Carbon monoxide gas will cause you to be sleepy. "There's nothing worse than trying to get moving up a hill on an icy road. Even if you and your vehicle are prepared, crashes happen. Never drive when distracted by an electronic device or anything else. An Arctic front that sped across Iowa enveloped vehicles in a wintry mess of freezing rain, snow and ice. Id rather have a light Volkswagen Passat with winter tires than a similarly equipped, much heavier Buick LaCrosse.. Many battery problems can be eliminated by cleaning the corrosion from the battery terminals, Paul said. The advantage of all-wheel- and four-wheel-drive is that its easier to get moving on a snowy road. The only thing that stood out to me is speed, he said. Disclaimer: When you make a purchase through a third-party link, AAA Northeast could receive revenue. Winter driving has its own special hazards calling for extra driving skills. Replace any blade that leaves streaks or misses spots. Before heading out, know the weather and traffic conditions, and plan your route accordingly. Children should be in age- and size-appropriate child seats. If the light is blocked, replace it. Depending on where you live and the types of roads on which you drive, winter driving may call for everything from different tires to different wiper blades to different fluids in the engine. Anytime you look at a pileup, the bad crashes are the ones on the roadway, he said. It would be nice if this could be set up as a down load that could be forwarded to a new driver in the family who lacks experience and doesnt have AAA. If the pressure is too low on a frigid day, the vehicle will be hard to start and once started, will run rough. Drivers Ed Unit 10 Flashcards | Quizlet Make sure the wiper blades press against the window hard enough to wipe the windshield clean, otherwise they may not sweep off snow properly. Carry the right number of chains and extra cross-links. Light flares in front and behind the car and make sure the exhaust pipe is not blocked by snow, mud or objects. We design those ditches so you can drive in, and you are not going to flip over.. Examine tires for tread depth, uneven wearing and cupping. Winter driving demands special care; safe driving is a year-round habit. As the average temperature drops, so will tire pressures typically by 1 pound per square inch for every 10 degrees Fahrenheit. Click the card to flip . Real 2023 DMV Questions - DMV Written Test Test Match Created by Mildredkb Terms in this set (38) Once you get your permit, you should practice driving in all weather conditions to gain experience. A brake inspection is needed if your dashboard brake light is illuminated or you notice pulsing, a steering pull, grinding sounds or other unusual noise when braking. Consult your tax advisor regarding the tax deductibility of interest. Driving in the winter can be harrowing, especially in snowstorms and icy conditions. Top 5 Golden Rules for Safe Winter Driving. Fill the windshield washer fluid reservoir with a winter cleaning solution that has antifreeze components. Even ifyou dont need them, they can be used to help someoneelse in need on the road. Remember that everything moves slower when the temperature drops in the winter, and plan your driving trips. It can get frozen and may not disengage. If your car is stuck in the snow and you have the engine running, open a window and clear snow away from the exhaust pipe. You should have your vehicles transmission fluid level checked at the same time. Inflate the tires and make sure the treads are still good. Facebook We highlight that and other points in this article: AAA.com. As good as an all-wheel-drive or four-wheel-drive vehicle can be in winter, Paul added, the system doesnt change basic physics driving too fast for winter conditions will surely result in a poor outcome on the road. Search for your car and find out what safety features are already built in. Theres a lot that goes into preparing yourself and your vehicle for winter, so check out NHTSAs Winter Driving Tips to ensure safe travels. Inspect accessory drive belts for cracks or fraying, but stay mindful of newer serpentine belts, which dont show obvious signs of wear but should be replaced every 60,000 miles or as recommended by the vehicle manufacturer. If there's one piece of advice that driving experts unanimously recommend you follow in the winter, it's this: Slow down and back off. Tailgating becomes much worse in winter weather. With a pickup, a driver will wax poetically, winter, where is thy sting?'. You need to go to the mountains for that. You are not that likely to encounter snow in the (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? According to AAA, one of the best ways to stay safe in wintry roads is to never stop "if you can avoid it." If you need us, request service quickly and easily at AAA.com/GetMoving. Radiator Shutters and Winterfront. If the winter conditions are too much, and you dont need to absolutely be somewhere, it may be safe to just stay home. Also, it is important to note that your tire pressure will drop about one or two PSI every time the outside temperature drops ten degrees. The exception to this is in the Alpine regions. REQUIRED FIELDS ARE MARKED *. Driving-Tests.org is a privately owned website that is not affiliated with or operated by any state government agency. Winter-driving requires a tune-up of driving skills - The Detroit News Everyone hates doing it, but clearing snow and ice off your vehicle is imperative for the safety of others. "Calibrate yourself every time you start a drive through bad weather by testing the conditions as you leave the relative safety of your neighborhood or the parking lot," Rogers said. Keep your vehicles gas tank at least half full to avoid potential gas station lines, or a frozen gas line, Ward said, and dont worry about extensive engine warm-ups. All vehicles are particularly sensitive to over-powering, over-steering and over-braking on curves. Whether you check or a roadside technician does it for you, be sure that all battery posts are cleared of corrosion and all cable connections are tight. Reducing the volatility of summer gas decreases emissions that can contribute to unhealthy ozone and smog levels. If you can't see well enough while driving (for example, if your wipers fail), stop safely and fix the problem. Keep a snow brush/scraper in your car, along with possible emergency items such as a lightweight shovel, battery jumper cables, and a flashlight. AAA members can request a visit from a AAA roadside technician to test vehicle batteries on-site, and install replacements if necessary. By getting your car ready for winter and using some simple tips to drive safely, you can face almost any weather Mother Nature decides to send your way. Crashes are plentiful in the winter months due to the ongoing storms and poor road conditions. This helps prevent skids and spinout. You should not use cruise control on snow, in rain, in fog, or under similar hazardous conditions. Winter tires are made to enhance braking in snow and ice with their aggressive tread and specialized tread compounds. Driving safely in winter weather can be a challenge for even the most experienced driver. Winter Driving: higher chance of an accident based on the following factors:-Longer hours of darkness-Fog-Rain-Snow-Sleet-Ice ****Before driving in cold weather, start the engine of your vehicle and let the vehicle warm up before driving on the roadways. Recent pileups in Iowa and Texas amid severe winter weather have analysts and traffic experts issuing vital reminders about how to stay safe. Do not send or read text messages, or engage in other distracting behavior. PDF Risk Control Winter Driving - CNA Insurance Beyond the basics like an ice scraper and the tools and supplies needed to change a tire or jump a dead battery, also consider snow chains and even a box of cat litter when spread on packed snow or ice, litter can create the traction needed to get your vehicle unstuck and back on the go. C. Turn off ignition and avoid sudden turns. Is this a valid concern or do they treat the roads? To safely brake if necessary on ice or snow, the AAA advises drivers increase following distances to 8 to 10 seconds. "Don't stop going up a hill," AAA recommends. ta.queueForLoad : function(f, g){document.addEventListener('DOMContentLoaded', f);})(function(){ta.trackEventOnPage('postLinkInline', 'impression', 'postLinks-9000576', '');}, 'log_autolink_impression');Paris area, (although you might!) Washington, D.C. 20590, Twitter Paris in summer: Epic music festivals, spectacular fireworks & urban beaches. Keep in mind that snow plows are helping keep the road safer. To use our mobile site, please enable JavaScript. Carbon monoxide is odorless and deadly. In extreme climates, a set of winter snow tires or chains may be a wise investment. Having been in a snowy pileup on the interstate and have seen cars ,busses and trucks out of control running into the pack of stopped cars, i notice that when cars are stopped drivers usually put their car in park and take their foot off the break. That wont help anything. In some states, you may even face a fine for not clearing the snow or ice off your car. Heavy trucks require a longer stopping distance on slippery roads than passenger cars. Increase your following distance with the car in front of you from the "normal" weather recommendation of four seconds to around 8-10 seconds. Even in the best conditions, hills can be challenging for drivers who are not completely alert, because whatever is happening on the other side appears without warning, he said. Everyone was going too fast for the conditions., I see it repeated in the Texas case that it was a thin coat of ice, he said, referring to reports on the crash.
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