Chapter 7 · Lesson 14 of 38
Winter driving
3 min read · Safe Vehicle Operation
Explanation
Ice, snow and very cold temperatures make winter driving dangerous.
- Always clear your windows before driving, and brush snow off your headlights and taillights often.
- Ice can make you lose traction. Moisture on ramps, bridges and overpasses may freeze before the rest of the road.
- Snow, especially with wind, can cut visibility. Watch for drifting snow (in rural areas a few inches can make roads impassable) and for ice at intersections. Use your headlights so others see you. Stay a safe distance behind snowplows.
- Prepare: let the engine warm up in very cold weather, keep a full tank so the heater can run if you are stranded, and consider a winter survival kit (sand or carpet strips, booster cables, blankets, shovel, flashlight, extra clothing, candles, matches, snacks and water).
Example
The road into town is just wet, but it’s below freezing. As you approach an overpass you expect it may already be icy: moisture on ramps, bridges and overpasses may freeze before other sections of the road.
Common mistake
Clearing only a peephole on the windshield. Clear all your windows so you can see in every direction.
What the manual says
Always clear your windows before driving.
Be aware that moisture on ramps, bridges, and overpasses may occasionally freeze before other sections of the driving roadway.
Stay a safe distance behind snowplows.
Sources
- Manual p. 43
“Always clear your windows before driving.”
- Manual p. 43
“Be aware that moisture on ramps, bridges, and overpasses may occasionally freeze before other sections of the driving roadway.”
- Manual p. 43
“Always watch for icy conditions, too, when there is snowfall on the ground, particularly at intersections, and use your headlights to be seen by other drivers.”
- Manual p. 43
“Stay a safe distance behind snowplows.”
- Manual p. 43
“Watch for drifting snow, particularly in rural areas where only a few inches of snow can cause roads to become impassable.”
- Manual p. 43
“Always allow your vehicle's engine plenty of time to warm up before driving in very cold conditions.”
- Manual p. 43
“Drive with a full tank of gas so that if stranded, the heater can remain in use for as long as possible.”
- Manual p. 43
“Brush the snow off your headlights and taillights frequently.”
- Manual p. 43
“Consider carrying a winter survival kit in your vehicle”
Check your understanding
Question 1 of 3