Give me 3 key safety reminders for driving in icy conditions

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# Driving - Winter (cont.) ## How should I drive in winter weather? (cont.) - Steer with smooth and precise movements. Changing lanes too quickly and jerky steering while braking or accelerating can cause skidding. - Be aware and slow down when approaching a bridge. Steel and concrete bridges are likely to be icy even when there is no ice on the ground surface, (because bridges over open air cool down faster than roads, which tend to be insulated somewhat by solid ground.) - Consider getting off the road before getting stranded if the weather is worsening. - Be patient and pass other cars only when it is safe. - Keep a safe distance back from snow plows, and trucks applying salt, sand or anti-icing agents. - Never pass a snow plow due to the whiteout conditions and ridge of snow created by the plow. ## What should I do if I start to skid? - Above all DO NOT PANIC! - Look where you want your vehicle to go and steer in this direction. - DO NOT BRAKE! Take your foot off the brake if the vehicle starts to skid while braking. - DO NOT ACCELERATE! ## Should I put the vehicle into neutral during a skid? Experts agree that during a skid, it is important to reduce the vehicle's forward motion to stop faster. Many resources that promote putting your vehicle in neutral describe the following technique: - Disconnect the driving force on the drive wheels by doing either of the following: - If you're using automatic transmission, shift to neutral. However, do not touch the transmission gear if you cannot do that immediately. - If you're using manual transmission, declutch. Others promote leaving the vehicle in gear but do not apply the gas during the skid. At the end of the skid, it may be necessary to accelerate gently, or you may need to avoid an obstacle. Using winter tires and driving at a reduced speed are more important factors that influence a vehicle's stopping distance. Driving - Winter CCOHS

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# Driving - Winter (cont.) ## How should I prepare for winter driving? (cont.) - Plan the arrival time at a destination by considering any delays due to slower traffic, reduced visibility, roadblocks, abandoned automobiles, collisions, etc. - Inform someone of the route and planned arrival time. - Choose warm and comfortable clothing. If there is a need to remove outdoor clothing later while driving, STOP the vehicle in a safe spot. - Warm up the vehicle BEFORE driving off. It reduces moisture condensing on the inside of the windows. If the windows are fogging on the inside, use the air conditioner (it is a dehumidifier as well). - NEVER warm up the vehicle in a closed garage. - Remove snow and ice from the vehicle. It helps to see and, equally important, to be seen. - Wear sunglasses on bright, sunny days. - Bring a cell phone, but do not leave it in the vehicle as the battery will freeze. ## How should I drive in winter weather? - Buckle up before starting to drive. Keep the seat belt buckled at all times. - SLOW DOWN! - posted speed limits are for ideal travel conditions. Driving at reduced speeds is the best precautionary measure against any misfortune while driving on slippery roads. "Black ice" is invisible. - Be alert. Black ice will make a road look like shiny new asphalt. The pavement should look grey-white in winter. - Do not use cruise control. Winter driving requires the driver to be in full control at all times. - Reduce speed while approaching intersections covered with ice or snow. - Allow for extra travelling time or delay a trip if the weather is inclement. - Drive with low-beam headlights on. Not only are they brighter than daytime running lights but turning them on also activates the tail lights. This lighting makes the vehicle more visible. - Lengthen the distance between your vehicle and the vehicle ahead. Stopping distance on an icy road is double that of stopping on a dry one. For example, from around 45 metres (140 ft…

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# Worker Killed in Crash on Icy Road* Industry: Roofing contractor Occupation: Laborer Task: Traveling to job site Type of Incident: Motor vehicle incident Release Date: November 23, 2004 Case No.: 04WA00301 SHARP Report No.: 71-27-2004 On January 26, 2004, a 22-year-old construction laborer, working for a roofing contractor, was killed when the pickup truck he was riding in collided head-on with another vehicle on a snow and ice covered highway. At the time of the incident he was one of two passengers in a pickup truck traveling to a job site. At about 8 a.m., the driver of the pickup truck lost control of the vehicle, fishtailed, crossed the centerline, and struck another motor vehicle head-on. The victim was killed in the collision. The driver, the second passenger in the pickup, and the driver of the other vehicle were injured. All three of the pickup truck occupants were wearing seatbelts. The pickup truck was estimated to have been traveling at about 50 to [redacted street address] surface that consisted of a mix of compact snow and ice. It was also snowing at the time of the incident. The posted speed limit for the highway was 60 mph. ## Requirements/Recommendations (! Indicates items required by law) ! Slow down when driving on snow and ice covered roads. Adjust your speed according to the road conditions. Posted speed limits are maximum speeds under ideal conditions. ! Regularly check vehicle tires and brakes. • Allow extra time for traveling to job sites when road and weather conditions are poor. • Check out road conditions with the State Department of Transportation, local radio or television stations, and highway advisory radios and electronic messaging signs. • When driving in winter conditions make sure your vehicle has the appropriate tires and traction devices. • Know whether your vehicle has anti-lock (ABS) brakes. If your vehicle skids, take your foot off the gas and steer with steady motion in the direction of the skid until you gain con…