Nobody knows these conditions better than the Canadian Automobile Association (CAA) and they have got together with Emergency Preparedness Canada, to produce a guide to the do's and don'ts of winter driving. If your next posting will take you to a very cold climate please read and copy this.
Local weather offices issue warnings of impending blizzards, heavy snow, freezing rain or drizzle, cold waves and winds.
The most perilous of winter storms combining falling, blowing, drifting snow, winds of 40 km/hour or more, visibility less than 100 metres, temperatures less than -10ºC; duration: six hours or more.
Ten centimetres or more in 12 hours, or 15 cm or more in 24 hours. Even less in temperate climates.
An ice storm coating roads, trees, overhead wires, etc. with ice.
A rapid fall in temperature in a short period, requiring greater than normal protective measures.
The cause of blizzard conditions, drifting, reduced visibility and wind-chill effects.
Winter weather presents the greatest challenge to your car and its engine. Prepare for winter by getting a complete check-up in the fall / autumn. The following systems should be checked:
The CAA recommends the following items be kept in the trunk / boot of your car.
Snow shovel (collapsible
ones exist) The following items should be kept inside your car:
DON'T PANIC.
Avoid over-exertion and exposure. Shovelling and bitter cold can kill. Stay in your car. You won't get lost and you'll have shelter. Keep fresh air in your car. Open a window on the side sheltered from the wind. Run your motor sparingly. Beware of exhaust fumes and the possibility of carbon monoxide finding its way into the car. Ensure the tailpipe / (exhaust) is not blocked by snow and check regularly that snow is not accumulating around it / obstructing it. Use the candle for heat instead of the car's heater, if possible. Set out a warning light or flares. Put on the dome / interior light. Overuse of headlights may run your battery down. Exercise your limbs, hands and feet vigorously. Keep moving and don't fall asleep. Keep watch for traffic or searchers. Wear a hat as you can lose up to 60% of your body heat through your head.
Winter collisions can occur when your vehicle skids. A skid occurs when you apply the brakes so hard that one or more wheels lock, or if you press hard on the accelerator and spin the drive wheels. Skids also occur when you are travelling too fast on a curve and encounter a slippery surface. Skids can best be avoided by anticipating lane changes, turns and curves; slowing down in advance; and by making smooth, precise movements of the steering wheel. Regardless of the type of skid you encounter, to regain control of your vehicle,
The most effective way to get your vehicle back under control during a skid is as follows:
Front-wheel skids are caused by hard braking or acceleration if your vehicle has front-wheel drive. When the front wheels lose traction, you will not be able to steer the vehicle. Regardless of whether the vehicle has front-, rear- or four-wheel drive, the best way to regain control if the front wheels skid is:
There is no risk at all of the car skidding in the opposite direction.
Sometimes all four wheels lose traction. This generally occurs when the vehicle is driven at a speed too fast for conditions. The most effective way to get your vehicle back under control when all four wheels skid is:
NOTE: Avoid using overdrive on slippery surfaces.
To survive on the road in winter, proper braking is essential.
Stopping on slippery surfaces means motorists must increase sight lines, following and stopping distances.
Beware of shaded spots, bridges, overpasses and intersections. These are areas where ice is likely to form first or be the most slippery.
If you don't have anti-lock brakes, the most efficient technique for braking under these conditions is to use threshold braking together with de-clutching (manual shift) or shifting to neutral (automatic transmission). The best way to threshold brake (to make a controlled stop) is the heel-and-toe method. Keep the heel of your foot on the floor and use your toes to apply firm, steady pressure on the brake pedal just short of lockup to the point at which the wheels stop turning.
Under the stress of trying to stop quickly, drivers almost inevitably overreact and lock the wheels. If this happens, use toe-and-heel action to release brake pressure one or two degrees, then immediately reapply it with slightly less pressure.
According to a survey conducted by the CAA/AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety, 50% of people are unaware of how anti-lock brakes and traditional brakes differ. If you have an anti-lock brake system (ABS), use the heel-and-toe method, but do not remove your foot from the brake. When you put on the brakes hard enough to make the wheels lock momentarily, you will typically feel the brake pedal pulse back against your foot. Don't let up!
(Novice ABS users can try hard braking in a vacant snow-covered parking lot.)
A sensor located at each wheel detects when the wheel stops turning and starts to skid. As soon as the skid is detected, the anti-lock system relieves the pressure just enough to allow the wheel to turn again. This allows you to steer while you continue to bring the vehicle to a stop.
Finally, two examples of the joys ahead . . . . minus 30ºC and . . . .
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| Communications Directorate | Canadian Automobile Association |
| Emergency Preparedness Canada | CAA (Quebec) |
| Jackson Building | 1180 Drummond |
| 122 Bank Street, 2nd Floor | Montreal |
| Ottawa, Ontario, | Quebec |
| K1A 0W6, Canada | And many other offices across Canada |
| Phone: (613) 991-7035 Fax: (613) 998-9589 | Phone: (514) 861-7111 Fax: |
Other Notes from the CAA for people coming to work in Canada :
Winter travel by automobile can be serious business. Be prepared. Membership in the Canadian Automobile Association is recommended. If you do a lot of winter driving in isolated regions, you might consider having a Citizen's Band radio. *911 is a free call to police and ambulance on your cellular phone, and *CAA is a free call for CAA Emergency Road Service, for CAA members.
One way to find a good repair facility to tune-up your vehicle is to look for the CAA Approved Auto Repair Services sign at garages. Check the Yellow Pages or contact your local CAA office. These garages must meet CAA's special standards for fairness and reliability.
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