Severe Weather

Some road surfaces are slippery, icy, snow covered or have heavy rain. In all these situations, it is best to stay off the road and not drive. It is important to remember that in severe weather bridges and overpasses freeze before the rest of the roadway. The best option is to slow down and stay alert. To keep control of your vehicle, make sure to avoid rapid braking or sudden sharp turns.

 

If your car does not have Anti-Lock Braking System (ABS), gently pump the brakes. This will help your car from skidding or sliding on slippery roads

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Spotting slippery/icy roads:

Shady spots, overpasses and bridges on cold wet days

• When the temperature is around the freezing point

• Pavement when it starts to rain

• Standing water close to the shoulder

 

Hydroplaning:

Hydroplaning means your tires slide on top of the water. Hydroplaning can happen at low speeds if your tires are bald. If you find yourself sliding, you should follow the steps below:

• Ease your foot off the gas pedal

• Keep the wheel straight

• Do not try to stop or turn until your tires are gripping the road again

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Skidding:

This is when your tires are bouncing up and down on the road and you have lost control of the vehicle.

• Stay off the brake

• Turn the wheel in the direction you want the vehicle to go

• As soon as your car begins to straighten, turn the wheel back the other way

 

Winter

You need to drive with extra safety precautions in the winter. People are not used to driving on the first day of snowfall so be alert and extra cautious.

 

Follow the winter driving tips below:

• Before driving clear off snow and ice from all parts of your vehicle. It is important to remove snow and ice from, all windows, vehicle lamps, side mirrors and license plates

• Drive slowly, give extra room in front of your vehicle

• Do not use cruise control on slippery roads

• Turn on your headlights and do not use your high beams (brights)

• Give snowplows at least 200 feet of room when their lights are flashing red, amber or green

 

Farm Safety/Rural Driving

There are special hazards in rural/country areas. These hazards may include slow moving tractors, farm equipment and livestock. Farmers may have difficulty seeing or hearing other traffic. Their equipment may not have brake lights or turn signals. Be patient when you are around farm equipment on the road. You should yield the right-of-way to livestock on or along the highway.

 

Do not honk your horn because this might scare the animal. Slow down and keep a safe distance.

 

No one under 16 years old can operate a farm tractor or self-propelled farm machinery on highways.

 

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