As Mother Nature delivered her first taste of winter for us Monday morning, the Chatham-Kent police offer some winter driving tips.
The first is very, very simple. Slow down. Most winter collisions occur because drivers are going too fast for the road conditions, police say. Reduce your speed and drive cautiously to maintain control of your vehicle.
Also, turn off that cruise control. Don’t use it on wet, snowy, or icy pavement. It can reduce your reaction time and vehicle control. Stay alert and maintain control of your vehicle at all times.
Avoid extremes. Mashing the gas or brake pedals in bad weather are two ways you could lose control. Steer gently and brake or accelerate gently. Hard braking or quick acceleration may cause your vehicle to skid.
If you find yourself skidding, steer in the direction you want to go. Remain calm and avoid any sudden or jerky movements.
Maintain distance. It takes longer to stop on slippery roads, so give yourself extra space between your vehicle and the one ahead. This will allow for a safe stopping distance and help prevent rear-end collisions.
