Cool Facts

Cool Facts

It is the responsibility of everyone to know the facts of winter driving and how to drive safely in spite of them. Winter means less daylight, less secure road surfaces, steamy windshields, dirty headlights or any of the many other hazards which follow each other around the seasons.

We should do all in our power to drive without accidents. Don’t blame the weatherman for an accident—you are the one who can avoid getting yourself in an accident. Once you start it is your responsibility to keep going safely. This is where you cash in on your driving skill.

Get the “feel” of the road often enough to gauge the limits of gas on brake application. One of the tricks is to pick a clean space and attempt to speed up quickly. If your wheels spin you will know it.

This way there isn’t as much chance of going into a skid as there is if you test by braking. In order to drive smoothly, maintain a road position where sudden movements are not necessary. Keep your eyes open for icy patches and shaded spots or slippery puddles after storms. If you are going to need to slow down, as for an intersection, do your braking on dry spots.

Slow down at the top of a hill-it takes longer to stop.

Keep the windshield, windows and all lights clean and clear of snow and ice. Remember few accidents are due to mechanical failure, many are due to human failure.

Question for discussion:

1. What is the average braking distance of a car going 25 mph on clear dry pavement? (23 feet)

2. What is the average braking distance of the same car going 25 mph on melting ice? (about 225 feet)