Post by kelvin on Dec 12, 2008 11:01:22 GMT -5
bugleobserver.canadaeast.com/lifestyles/article/509793
It’s a stark reality – every year winter comes to Canada. And every year Canadian Drives must adapt to the cold hard facts of driving in this winter wonderland. Setting out in the winter is not always straightforward. Adverse weather conditions can severely affect your driving ability.
CAA, in partnership with Transport Canada recently released a brochure, called You, Your Vehicle and Winter Driving, which is a handy guide that includes information about how Canadians can make their vehicles winter-ready, how to prepare for and drive in bad weather, and what to pack in a winter survival kit.
"The goal is to help Canadian motorists prevent problems before they occur," states Gary Howard, CAA spokesperson. "It makes no difference if you're driving to work, taking the kids to practice or visiting family and friends over the holidays, plan ahead and drive defensively."
Top Ten Winter Driving Safety Tips:
1. Get your vehicle ready for winter in the fall – Check fluids, tires, lights, wipers, brakes and make sure your battery is in good working order.
2. Install four matching winter tires – Since having four matching tires improves vehicle handling, don't mix tires with different tread patterns, internal construction and size.
3. Pack an emergency kit including a shovel, extra windshield washer fluid, sand or kitty litter, fuel line antifreeze, a thermal blanket, extra clothing and footwear and a first-aid kit.
4. Learn and practice winter driving techniques before you need them and remember in bad weather put more distance between you and the vehicle in front of you.
5. Plan your trip, check road and weather conditions- if driving is risky, stay home if you can. If not proceed with caution and keep your radio tuned to a local station for ongoing weather advisories.
6. Remove all snow from your vehicle before each trip including the hood, roof, bumper and lights.
7. Give yourself extra travel time in bad weather and whenever possible, don't travel alone.
8. Avoid using overdrive and cruise control on slippery roads.
9. Travel with a fully charged cell phone – But don't talk and drive. Let someone with you make the call, or pull over to a safe spot to place a call.
10. SLOW DOWN and wear your seatbelt.
The You, Your Vehicle and Winter Driving brochure provides more detail on how to prepare for the road conditions this winter. It's a great resource to keep in your glove compartment and is available on CAA's website (www.caa.ca/publicaffairs). Printed copies are also available from the CAA on request.
The CAA is the federation of 9 CAA Membership organizations across Canada, serving over 5 million Members through 148 offices and affiliations in 95 countries. CAA provides a wide range of Member services and works to improve travelling and motoring conditions. CAA (Maritimes) serves CAA Members across Atlantic Canada from six branch locations in Fredericton, Saint John, Moncton, Halifax, Dartmouth and Charlottetown.
It’s a stark reality – every year winter comes to Canada. And every year Canadian Drives must adapt to the cold hard facts of driving in this winter wonderland. Setting out in the winter is not always straightforward. Adverse weather conditions can severely affect your driving ability.
CAA, in partnership with Transport Canada recently released a brochure, called You, Your Vehicle and Winter Driving, which is a handy guide that includes information about how Canadians can make their vehicles winter-ready, how to prepare for and drive in bad weather, and what to pack in a winter survival kit.
"The goal is to help Canadian motorists prevent problems before they occur," states Gary Howard, CAA spokesperson. "It makes no difference if you're driving to work, taking the kids to practice or visiting family and friends over the holidays, plan ahead and drive defensively."
Top Ten Winter Driving Safety Tips:
1. Get your vehicle ready for winter in the fall – Check fluids, tires, lights, wipers, brakes and make sure your battery is in good working order.
2. Install four matching winter tires – Since having four matching tires improves vehicle handling, don't mix tires with different tread patterns, internal construction and size.
3. Pack an emergency kit including a shovel, extra windshield washer fluid, sand or kitty litter, fuel line antifreeze, a thermal blanket, extra clothing and footwear and a first-aid kit.
4. Learn and practice winter driving techniques before you need them and remember in bad weather put more distance between you and the vehicle in front of you.
5. Plan your trip, check road and weather conditions- if driving is risky, stay home if you can. If not proceed with caution and keep your radio tuned to a local station for ongoing weather advisories.
6. Remove all snow from your vehicle before each trip including the hood, roof, bumper and lights.
7. Give yourself extra travel time in bad weather and whenever possible, don't travel alone.
8. Avoid using overdrive and cruise control on slippery roads.
9. Travel with a fully charged cell phone – But don't talk and drive. Let someone with you make the call, or pull over to a safe spot to place a call.
10. SLOW DOWN and wear your seatbelt.
The You, Your Vehicle and Winter Driving brochure provides more detail on how to prepare for the road conditions this winter. It's a great resource to keep in your glove compartment and is available on CAA's website (www.caa.ca/publicaffairs). Printed copies are also available from the CAA on request.
The CAA is the federation of 9 CAA Membership organizations across Canada, serving over 5 million Members through 148 offices and affiliations in 95 countries. CAA provides a wide range of Member services and works to improve travelling and motoring conditions. CAA (Maritimes) serves CAA Members across Atlantic Canada from six branch locations in Fredericton, Saint John, Moncton, Halifax, Dartmouth and Charlottetown.