Give me 3 driving safety best practices for this time of year

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# Driving a Motor Vehicle Safe Work Practices (cont.) ## Safe Work Practices (Don'ts) • Do not drive if you feel drowsy or unwell. • Do not use cruise control in poor weather conditions. • Do not exceed the posted speed limit. • In poor road conditions reduce your speed accordingly. • Do not smoke while in the vehicle. • Do not pickup hitchhikers or transport other persons that are not related through employment. • Do not make sudden lane changes. • Do not warm up a vehicle in a closed garage. • Do not multi-task while driving. Pay attention and do not engage in distracting activities such as eating food, putting on make-up and texting. Nova Scotia Safety Manual for Businesses | Safe Work Practices 27 27 27

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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 a Motor Vehicle Safe Work Practices ## Potential Safety Hazards - Ergonomic hazards, posture. • Energy hazards. • Material handling hazards. • Chemical hazards, gas fumes. ## Safe Work Practices (Do's) • Read and follow the manufacturer's operation manual and warning label. • Wear your seatbelt. • Wear sunglasses when driving into direct sunlight. • Follow the rules of the road. - When passing ensure it is safe to do so and pass promptly. • Slow down near neighborhoods and playgrounds. • Check local weather and road conditions before you begin driving. . Allow for extra travelling time or consider delaying a trip if there are poor weather conditions. • Use defensive driving techniques. • Be aware of road construction. • Tell someone where you are going, the route you are taking and when you expect to arrive at your destination. • Plan and be realistic about travel times. • Take breaks as required to stretch and refocus. - Only drive when you are alert and sober. . Cellular phone: When you are driving, it is recommended to pull over in a safe area to take a call or let the caller leave a message on the voice mail. • Keep radio volume low enough to hear emergency vehicles. • Keep vehicle in good operating condition and ensure it is serviced regularly. • Report any motor vehicle accidents that occur during company time to your supervisor immediately. • Have an emergency kit in the vehicle. 26 Nova Scotia Safety Manual for Businesses | Safe Work Practices

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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…