DRIVER’S GUIDE

BRIDGES AND OVERPASSES:
Bridge decks and overpasses tend to
form slippery patches more readily than
other road surfaces. Use extra caution
and try to avoid unnecessary lane or
speed changes.
RAIN AND HYDROPLANING:
When it is raining, use low beam
headlights, as high beams reflect the light
back to you, creating glare. Your vehicle
can also be sprayed with water and mud,
interfering with your view through the
windshield and windows. Be careful not
to splash other vehicles and pedestrians.
On wet roads, your tires may lose
contact with the road surface. This is
called hydroplaning. The loss of contact
between the road surface and your tires
can cause you to lose control of your
vehicle.
If this happens, do not brake. Release
pressure on the accelerator to allow the
vehicle to slow. Look and steer where you
want the front of the vehicle to go.
ICE AND SNOW:
During the winter you can experience
poor weather conditions that can
make driving more dangerous. Winter
conditions include freezing rain, very low
temperatures, blowing snow, high wind
chill, blizzards and heavy snowfalls.
Maintain your vehicle. Have it serviced
before winter arrives. Be sure that your
vehicle’s battery, tires, exhaust system,
windshield wipers and heating system are
in good working condition.
Intersection areas may become icy
more quickly because of vehicle exhaust,
engine heat, and vehicles spinning their
wheels or skidding. Allow more time and
distance for stopping and starting. The
most important thing is to reduce your
speed.
When the temperature rises to the
point where the snow begins to melt,
roads can become very slippery. When
the frost begins to come out of the
ground, a thin layer of water is formed
on the road surface.
Note: Do not use cruise control when
the weather and road conditions are
poor. When your tires contact ice, the
cruise control will continue to apply the
accelerator and you could lose control.
Ensure your vehicle’s windows and
windshield are not obstructed by snow,
frost, steam, mud, or anything else that
may make driving the vehicle dangerous.
If you find yourself stranded off the
highway and your vehicle is in a safe
place, it is usually safer to stay with your
vehicle. Run the engine just enough to
stay warm. Keep the vehicle ventilated
while the engine is running. Open a
window a small amount to assist air
circulation to prevent carbon monoxide
poisoning. Carbon monoxide can get into
your vehicle from a leaky exhaust system.
Carbon monoxide is a poisonous gas that
is colourless, odourless, tasteless and,
therefore, very dangerous. Be sure your
exhaust system is checked whenever you
take your vehicle in for servicing.
Winter emergency supplies to carry in
your vehicle:
• blankets and extra clothing
• sand or road salt
CHAPTER SIX
EMERGENCY SITUATIONS AND CHALLENGING CONDITIONS 81