Driving Distractions

The ability to drive safely in winter conditions depends mostly on the experience and training that a professional driver receives. Make certain that the training side of your workplace safety equation is fulfilled with the vehicle safety tips.

Here are a few winter driving tips for safer driving:

Tires:
-Adequate tread
-Correct tire pressure
-Studs/Chains
-All weather tires are NOT adequate in heavy winter storm conditions

Helpful Tools:
-Windshield Ice Scraper and Small Broom (to clear away snow)
-Small Shovel (in case you get stranded)
-Maintain at least 1/2 tank of gas at ALL TIMES
-Vehicle First Aid Kit and Flashlight inside vehicle
-Sleeping bag/Blankets (to keep warm if stranded)
-Appropriate tire changing tools

Pre-Trip Inspection
Check:
-Headlights/heaters/defrosters (make sure in working order)
-All hoses and belts
-Battery and Alternator (cold weather takes a heavy tool on electrical and battery systems)
-Headlights are clear of debris (can affect visibility by up to 50%)
THE MOST COMMON CAUSE OF BEING CAUGHT IN THE SNOW IS THE FAILURE OF THE VEHICLE ITSELF

If you are caught in severe weather
-Turn on headlights/hazard lights
-Pull to side of road until weather passes
DO NOT STOP IN THE MIDDLE OF THE ROAD, YOU WILL GET HIT

Procedure if stuck in snow or ice:
-Never allow tires to spin, it will only create a larger hole
-Remove as much snow/ice around tire as possible
-Use wood or tree branches or anything that will provide friction to create traction to get out of the hole
-Use SLOW, STEADY traction
Special Driving Tips:
-The posted speed limit is not the speed limit for heavy and hazardous driving conditions
-In icy conditions, steer gently, avoid harsh turns, braking or acceleration
-Keep a safe stopping distance between you and other vehicles; it takes AT LEAST 3 TIMES the normal stopping distance to stop

Safety Training from Wumbus Corporation:

Driving Safely in Winter Conditions

Driving Safely in the Hazards of Winter

Understand the Braking System on Your Vehicle

Two types:
Conventional
Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS)

Conventional Brake System tips
-Reduce danger of skidding by driving slower and pumping or tapping brakes as you slow down
-AVOID slamming or holding brakes as it has a tendency to lock brakes up and you will not be able to steer your vehicle

If in a skidding situation,
-Take your foot off of the accelerator
-Gently turn in the direction you want to go
-DO NOT BRAKE - it will lock you into a skid

Anti-Lock Braking Systems (ABS) tips
-Apply firm, steady pressure when braking
-Pulsations and abnormal sounds are normal and occur with ABS; they let the driver know that the ABS is working

4 Wheel ABS offers more control and are generally found on passenger cars
Maintain vulnerability and directional stability in emergency braking situations
Brakes won't stop you faster, just help in reducing skidding by regulating brake power

Other Tips
-Use low gear on slick surfaces, especially hills and curves
-Test brakes frequently
-Don't tailgate

Lastly, a skid is caused when drive wheels lose their traction, so drive slowly, but not too slow! Skids can be corrected or eliminated with steering and the accelerator.

HAPPY DRIVING!