WINTER suRvIval guide
Rules of the Roadside
Sometimes you still end up stuck , no matter how much you winterize or how safely you drive . Follow these rules so you ’ re not left in the cold for long
RuLE No . 1 : Don ’ t panic Keep calm and carry on to rule number two .
RuLE No . 2 : Stay with your vehicle It will make it easier for rescuers or tow operators to find you .
RuLE No . 3 : Call CAA We ’ re here for you 24 / 7 . Call * 222 by cell or 1 – 800 – CAA – HELP , or request service through our mobile app , which can pinpoint your location when GPS / location services are enabled .
RuLE No . 4 : Make an SOS Place a bright rope or scarf in a rolled up window to signal distress .
RuLE No . 5 : Don ’ t overexert yourself Pushing or digging out will just make you cold and tired .
RuLE No . 6 : Stay warm Run the engine just long enough to remove the chill ; then turn it off to conserve fuel . Clear snow and ice from the exhaust pipe to prevent carbon monoxide leaking into the vehicle .
How to Drive Smarter
Essential strategies for smarter driving on wintry roads
1 . Check weather and travel conditions before heading out . Drive according to those conditions . If they ’ re poor , stay off the roads — in bad conditions , CAA ’ s own emergency roadside service vehicles may not be able to reach you until things clear up .
2 . Plan your route in advance . Allow extra time for travel and let others know your route and ETA .
3 . Turn on lights . Most cars are equipped with daytime running lights , but that may not include your full headlights and / or taillights . Manually turn on lights , especially with shorter days and reduced visibility .
4 . Snow and ice can affect your stopping distance . Leave morethan-normal space between the car ahead of you . And use turn signals well in advance to alert drivers around you .
5 . Focus on smooth braking and steering in slippery conditions : If you jerk the wheel or slam the brakes , your tire treads could lose traction with the road and start sliding .
6 . Don ’ t crowd the plow . While it is legal to pass snowplows , always give operators room to work in order to prevent collisions and get roads cleared faster . Plows can impact visibility by scattering loose snow , so it ’ s best to slow down , stay back and wait for the plow to move aside before attempting a pass . Plow operators are trained to move over and let traffic pass when safe .
7 . Always slow down at intersections and pay special attention in school zones .
8 . Slow down around emergency vehicles — it ’ s the law . Manitoba motorists must slow to at least 40 km / hour ( if the posted limit is less than 80 km / hour ) when approaching emergency vehicles , including tow trucks , with lights flashing . In 80-km or higher zones , they must reduce speed to 60 km / hour . Where possible , move to the far lane to give operators room to work safely .
9 . Driving educators can teach you smarter driving strategies , like threshold braking , steering techniques and how to get out of a skid . Consider brushing up on your skills at a driving school .
We ’ re here to help To contact Caa for roadside assistance :
• Call 1-800-CAA-HELP ( 1-800-222-4357 )
• Submit an online request at caamanitoba . com / ers
• Send a request through the CAA mobile app , free to download at caa . ca / mobile
Your request will be placed in priority sequence no matter how you get in touch with us . ploWs : ChRIsTophER FuTChER / IsToCk
52 WINTER 2016
CAA maNIToba