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The cooler/frosty mornings serve as notice to all who drive that winter is just around the corner. It's the perfect time to take steps to ensure you and your vehicle are ready for the ever changing and challenging road conditions.
Prepare Vehicle for Winter Conditions
- Install winter tires. Use of worn or balding tires is unsafe and can be deadly during winter road conditions.
- Inspect the exhaust system for holes or hanging exhaust systems. A leaking exhaust can allow poisonous gas to enter the passenger compartment.
- Inspect your wiper blades and replace those that are worn or cracked.
- Ensure you have sufficient windshield washer fluid.
- Check your window defrosting systems to ensure they are operational.
- Have a qualified mechanical technician inspect and adjust your vehicle’s braking system. It's important that on slippery surfaces one brake doesn’t lock a wheel.
- Be winter prepared - keep these emergency items in your vehicle:
- first aid kit
- shovel
- flashlight and fluorescent wand
- energy bars
- candles
- charged cell phone/charger
- blanket
- jumper cables
- extra clothing
Operating a Vehice During Winter Conditions
Winter driving should be approached with caution and awareness.
- Check the weather forecast to keep apprised of weather conditions.
- Remember to allow extra time for your commute so you don't feel that you have to rush
- Don't drive during the height of a storm. Wait until the plows have completed snow removal operations.
- Clear the snow from your vehicle:
- clear all frost from windows.
- clean all lights.
- clean the license plate – all numbers and letters must be visible.
- clear the snow from your roof - snow left on your roof slides down over your windows and obstructs vision
- Drive defensively.
- Slow down on wet/dark roadways.
- Be careful when pulling out into the flow of traffic.
- When turning or changing lanes, give plenty of time to notify other traffic. Put your signal lights on sooner than you would on a dry, clear road.
- Be careful at all intersections.
- Watch for darting pedestrians and children, particularly around high snowbanks.
- Leave at least a car length in front of your vehicle in stop-and-go city traffic.
- For highway travel, formulate a road plan, advise your family of your plan and stick to your road plan. Call them should you make alternative plans so as not to cause unnecessary panic.
Helpful Links
http://511.gov.ns.ca/map
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