News Feature                            For Immediate Release

                                                                                                                   December 6, 2006

How To Drive Smart This Winter

From SMARTRISK Navigator

Winterize Your Vehicle

If you haven’t already done so, now is the time to prepare your vehicle for low temperatures and slippery roads:

1.      Have your vehicle tuned-up and thoroughly inspected.

2.      Install snow tires on all four wheels. Snow tires allow you to stop up to 40% sooner than all-season tires and significantly improve your vehicle’s handling.

3.      Install winter wiper blades.

4.      Make sure your tires, including your spare, are inflated to the maximum pressure shown on the tire or in your owner’s manual. Do not over inflate your tires, and recheck the pressure at least once a month.

5.      Keep an emergency kit, made up of the following items, in the trunk of your vehicle:

• Ice scraper and brush

• Cell phone

• Phone number for CAA or local towing company

• Sand or cat litter

• Shovel

• Booster cables

• Road flares

• Extra antifreeze

• Extra windshield washer fluid

• Extra set of warm clothing

• Candles in cans and waterproof matches

6.      Keep the following in the cab of your vehicle:

• Flashlight

• Energy bars

• First aid kit

• Blanket

Tips For Driving

Before heading out:

1.      Plan your route, and allow for delays.

2.      Check the road and weather conditions before leaving. If you have doubts about the conditions, wait until they improve.

3.      For long trips, let others know where you’re headed and what route you'll be taking.

4.      Drive sober, and make sure you’re feeling both awake and aware.

5.      Make sure you’ll have enough gas to make it to your destination or the next gas station.

6.      Dress warmly but comfortably for driving. Heavy boots make it harder to feel the pedals, so consider changing into comfortable shoes once you’re in the car. Bulky jackets can make it difficult to steer.

7.      Make sure the roof, hood, windows and lights are clear of snow and ice.

8.      Wait until the windows are clear from fog before heading out.

While Driving:

1.      Look as far ahead as possible while driving, so you’ll have longer to prepare for potential hazards.

2.      Drive defensively. Brake earlier and more gently than you normally would, and increase your following distance.

3.      Remember that black ice is difficult to see. Assume that you may encounter black ice at any time, and drive accordingly.

4.      If driving conditions become unsafe, find a rest area or parking lot and pull over. If you have to pull over on the side of the road, get over as far as possible and turn on your hazard lights.

5.      If you get stuck, stay in or near your vehicle. Limit your exposure to the elements, and avoid overexerting yourself. Make sure your exhaust pipe is clear of snow before running the vehicle, and wear a warm hat to conserve body heat.

You may also want to consider taking a driver education course that teaches you how to handle skids and winter driving conditions. Look in the Yellow Pages under "Driving Instruction".

For more information on winter driving visit:

http://ww3.psepc-sppcc.gc.ca/info_pro/self_help_ad/pdfs/winterdriv_e.pdf

For further information call Public Health at 519-376-9420 or 1-800-263-3456 or visit our web site at www.publichealthgreybruce.on.ca.

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For more information:

Linda Yenssen

Public Health Nurse, Injury Prevention Program

Grey Bruce Health Unit

519-881-1920 ext. 231