By Camille Aubin
Winter driving is a challenge even for very skilled or very experienced drivers. It is essential to always be prepared and to be vigilant on the road. Before getting behind the wheel, you also need to make sure that the vehicle is equipped for the cold season and that it runs well. By employing defensive driving techniques and adapting your driving style to changing conditions, you and others on the road will be safe.
The recent snow event on Highway 93 between Banff and Radium reminded us all that winter is here and that its changing conditions can surprise us at any time.
A portion of Highway 93 going south was closed at Highway 1 near Castle Junction due to a road obstruction on Sunday evening on Nov. 14. Many drivers and passengers were stuck in their cars for a few hours, while others spent the night in their vehicles with limited supplies and not much information about the ongoing road condition. That is why drivers must be ready at all times for any weather event.
Know the weather and the route well: In winter, there are many sources of information on weather conditions available to drivers on sites such www.DriveBC.ca or the local Columbia Valley & KNP Road Conditions Facebook group. Prepare before departure, as conditions can change at any time.
Be careful on mountain roads: When travelling in the mountains, turns and changes in altitude make driving difficult. These elements all carry specific risks. Choose a speed that you are comfortable with, and be especially careful on slippery roads combined with steep downhill slopes.
Learn winter driving techniques: Winter driving requires additional skills such as skid control and a smooth approach when turning, stopping and accelerating.
Learn to read the road: The shadows under bridges and near woods are potential indicators of ice on the road and increased risk of driving.
Slowing down: It is not necessarily the number of collisions that increase in winter, but rather their severity. Many drivers do not know how much they need to reduce their speed and tend to drive too fast in winter, which can lead to collisions. Remember that the posted speed limit is the one that uppermost one that applies in ideal climatic conditions. If you’re slogging through the snow instead of cruising on a beautiful summer day, you should not be driving the speed limit, let alone going faster than it.
Keep your distance from other vehicles: Be aware of the space on all four sides of the car. You should have a clear view of what is going on in front of you, next to you and behind you. When possible, increase the distance between your vehicle and others. Do not use cruise control under challenging conditions.
Avoid distractions: Driving in winter conditions is tough already. Add in any form of distracted driving, and it might put you in danger. Stay focused on the road and the current conditions.
Bring the right tools: Prepare yourself before making any trip during the winter season. Carry a bag of kitty litter in your vehicle in case your tires need better grip, as well as a hammer and putty knife to remove any snow or ice that may accumulate. Keep fuel treatment and methanol in reserve for gas lines and air lines.
Prepare an emergency kit: Prepare for the worst. You should be able to spend a few hours or even a few days immobilized in freezing temperatures. Your kit should contain warm clothes, food, water, a reliable flashlight, a portable charger for cell phones, hand warmers, candles, and warm boots, among others.
Keeping these winter driving tips in mind will help keep you and others on the road safe. Since winter driving presents great dangers, it is crucial that those who get behind the wheel of a vehicle in the cold season are alert and careful on the road.
