On The Road

Visibility

Turn on your vehicle's full lighting system in poor visibility. It is critical for drivers to see and be seen in low light conditions, and when blowing snow and white-outs impair visibility. Do NOT use the vehicle's fog lights unless the visibility is so bad that that you need to see the area immediately in front and each side of the car. Using the fog lights at all times will impair your long distance night vision.

Spacing

It takes longer to stop on a slippery road. It's important to leave plenty of space between you and the vehicle ahead. A guide to safe spacing under normal driving conditions is the two-second rule. In winter, and especially during poor weather conditions, double to the four-second rule. If drivers behind you are following too closely, slow down and allow them (encourage them) to pass.

Two second rule:

• Pick a marker on the road ahead, such as a road sign or telephone pole.
• When the rear of the vehicle ahead passes the marker, count "one thousand and one, one thousand and two."
• When the front of your vehicle reaches the marker, stop counting. If you reach the marker before you count "one thousand and two," you are following too closely.
• In winter, and especially during poor weather conditions, double the two-second rule.

Braking

Make sure you know how to use your braking system in all weather and road conditions. Consider taking an advanced driving course that teaches emergency driving skills.

How To Regain Control Of Your Vehicle In A Skid

A skid happens when your wheels slide out of control on a slippery surface. Skids can involve the front, rear, or all four wheels. Most skids result from driving too fast for road or traffic conditions. Sudden, hard braking, going too fast around a corner or accelerating too quickly can cause your vehicle to skid and even roll over.

Once in a skid, steer in the direction of the skid. To do this, look where you want your vehicle to go and steer toward that spot. Be careful not to oversteer. If you are on ice and skidding in a straight line, step on the clutch or shift to neutral.

Your vehicle may have Threshold Brakes or Anti-lock Brakes. To find out how to regain control of your vehicle in a skid using either braking systems, visit the Driver's Handbook Online at:

www.mto.gov.on.ca/english/dandv/driver/handbook/section2.11.6.shtml

Remember: It takes vehicles longer to stop in winter weather conditions and driving downhill.

Stay alert, slow down and stay in control.