Poor Weather

When Visibility Turns Bad – Driving in Blowing Snow and Whiteouts

DO:

• Slow down gradually and drive at a speed that suits the conditions.
• Make sure the full lighting system of your vehicle is turned on.
• Be patient. Avoid passing, changing lanes and crossing traffic.
• Increase your following distance. You will need extra distance to brake safely.
• Stay alert. Keep looking as far ahead as possible.
• Reduce the distractions in your vehicle. Your full attention is required.
• Keep your windows and mirrors clean. Use defroster and wipers to maximize your vision.
• Try to get off the road when visibility is near zero. Pull into a safe parking area if possible.

DON’T:

• Don’t stop on the travelled portion of the road. You could become the first link in a chain-reaction collision.
• Don’t attempt to pass a vehicle moving slowly or speed up to get away from a vehicle that is following too closely.

REMEMBER:

• Watch your speed. You may be going faster than you think. If so, reduce speed gradually.
• Leave a safe braking distance between you and the vehicle ahead.
• Stay alert. Remain calm and patient.
• If visibility is decreasing rapidly, do not stop on the road. Look for an opportunity to pull off the road into a safe parking area and wait for conditions to improve.
• If you become stuck or stranded in severe weather, stay with your vehicle for warmth and safety until help arrives. Slightly open a window for ventilation. Run your motor sparingly. Use your emergency flashers.
• Be prepared and carry a winter driving survival kit that includes items such as warm clothing, non-perishable energy foods, flashlight, shovel, blanket, etc.

Before you drive, and during your trip, check weather forecasts and road reports. If there is a weather warning or reports of poor visibility and driving conditions, delay your trip until conditions improve, if possible.

When Visibility Turns Bad – Driving in Fog

DO:

• Slow down gradually and drive at a speed that suits the conditions.
• Make sure the full lighting system of your vehicle is turned on.
• Use your low beam headlights. High beams reflect off the moisture droplets in the fog, making it harder to see.
• If you have fog lights on your vehicle, use them, in addition to your low beams. They could save your life.
• Use pavement markings to help guide you. Use the right edge of the road as a guide, rather than the centre line.
• Increase your following distance. You will need extra distance to brake safely.
• Look and listen for any hazards that may be ahead.
• Reduce the distractions in your vehicle. For example, turn off the cell phone…your full attention is required.
• Watch for any electronically operated warning signs.
• Keep looking as far ahead as possible.
• Keep your windows and mirrors clean. Use your defroster and wipers to maximize your vision.
• If the fog is too dense to continue, pull completely off the road and try to position your vehicle in a protected area from other traffic. Turn on your emergency flashers.

DON’T:

• Don’t stop on the travelled portion of the road. You could become the first link in a chain-reaction collision.
• Don’t speed up suddenly, even if the fog seems to be clearing. You could find yourself suddenly back in fog.
• Don’t speed up to pass a vehicle moving slowly or to get away from a vehicle that is following too closely.

REMEMBER:

• Watch your speed. You may be going faster than you think. If so, reduce speed gradually.
• Leave a safe braking distance between you and the vehicle ahead.
• Remain calm and patient. Don’t pass other vehicles or speed up suddenly.
• Don’t stop on the road. If visibility is decreasing rapidly, pull off the road into a safe parking area and wait for the fog to lift.
• When visibility is reduced, use your low beam lights.

Before you drive, and during your trip, check weather forecasts and road reports. If there is a weather warning or reports of poor visibility and driving conditions, delay your trip until conditions improve, if possible.