FREE COVID-19 Certificate Training in English, Spanish, Polish, Arabic, Chinese, and other languages using interpreters.
Available Now!
Driving in any season can be demanding due to traffic, local geography, driver experience, road construction, and time of day. It can be more of a challenge in winter because all existing hazardous conditions are magnified by rain, fog, snow, ice, ability to brake, condition of vehicle, visibility, and other drivers. We will review how one can drive safely by planning, preparing and using safe driving practices to counteract existing winter driving conditions and unsafe driving by others.
When driving in winter, the driver must account for extra travel time and plan accordingly. In addition to routinely scheduled maintenance, at beginning of trip: check battery, tire tread, and windshield wipers, put no-freeze fluid in the washer reservoir, and check antifreeze. Clear wind shield and windows before leaving the driveway or parking lot. The driver will assure that every glass surface is clear and transparent by using a snowbrush, an ice scraper or a towel. Side-view mirrors and all lights should be brushed and cleared as well. Since it is winter, he/she will need just as much, if not more, visibility in poor conditions because of increased stopping distances and other drivers that fail to adapt to the slick road surface. The smart driver takes it a step further, though, and clears off the snow and ice from vehicle and dew from windows. Failing to do so could result in the snow left on the roof either sliding down and blocking the windshield as driver is slowing down or flying off onto someone else's windshield, causing them to crash into driver’s or another vehicle. Uncleared windshield and windows greatly reduce visibility and prevents driver from seeing pedestrians, and objects that may be in the way. Lastly, before beginning travel, driver must be familiar with the maps/ directions, and let others know the route and travel schedule: departure and projected arrival times. This is very important in case of an emergency and if there is a delay along the way.
According to State Farm and OSHA when driving in...
Before starting your drive: Buckle up and use child safety seats properly. Never place a rear-facing infant seat in front of an air bag. Children 12 and under are much safer in the back seat.
or windows and shine dome light, and, if you run your car, clear exhaust pipe and run it
just enough to stay warm.
And in all winter weather settings, avoid using cruise control, drive slower than usual, and leave plenty of stopping distance between your vehicle and the one in front of you.
Planning and preparation are critical for safe driving. Additionally, be cautious and driving defensively when on the road in winter are key in staying safe whether activity is for work or off the job.