CAA Manitoba Winter 2018 | Page 27

Hidden hazard Black ice is just like ice but not so apparent—it’s “black” because the ice is clear and you can see the asphalt below. Watch for a sheen on the road surface and treat it as you would ice. Slippery when wet Freezing rain can make conditions so dicey that it’s sometimes safest to pull off the highway and wait. If you must drive, be sure you have good winter tires and wiper blades, plus plenty of wiper fluid. Stay back If you find yourself behind a snowplow, be grateful the road is being cleared and be patient. Don’t try to overtake it! “Every winter, there are crashes involving people trying to pass the plow,” Hope says. auto iq Caution ahead Move over If you see emergency vehicles, including tow trucks, slow down to 60 kilometres per hour or the posted speed, whichever is lower. If possible, give them extra space by moving into the adjacent lane. there are many ways that winter roads can be hazardous in manitoba By Mark richardson Fog alert When the mercury drops, you’ll be ready for any road condition with a few tips for smarter and safer driving. To keep moving all winter long, follow this advice from CAA Manitoba’s Kevin Hope, training lead of automotive services. ice? snow? slush? Hope says. “Clean off your lights, mirrors and windows. If you leave a couple centimetres of snow on your hood, it’ll blow onto your windshield and snow on your roof or trunk will dust the car behind you.” As with falling snow or freezing rain, if you run into fog, use your headlights’ low beams. “If you use high beams, it’s going to magnify the snow and fog and you’re not going to see very well,” Hope says. “Or if you have fog lights, use them.” Frozen out Fluffy but dangerous When road markings are obscured, slow down and leave lots of stopping distance. Always clear snow from your vehicle, including the roof. “You have to be able to see and be seen by others,” Road Ready Get service and save with these caa rewards partners Ice is often plentiful at intersections, where vehicles brake and accelerate. It’s also likely to form on bridges because the cool air beneath the span freezes the water on its upper surface. Slow down and leave extra room for stopping. Watch for wildlife Animals will often wander near winter roadways, drawn by the salt and other debris thrown up by cars. Keep an eye out for signs warning of wildlife. pirelli tires napa auto parts aars GaraGes always drive with winter tires in snowy weather. Pirelli’s technology ensures safety and comfort. Get up to 25 caa dollars with the purchase of four Pirelli brand tires. cold, ice and snow can deteriorate the rubber in your wiper blades. replace them every six months at NaPa. save 10% on regular- price products. oil is your vehicle’s lifeblood, absorbing water, dust and dirt to protect your engine. Get regular oil changes at a caa aars facility. earn 3% in caa dollars ($50 max). cAA maNitoBa wiNter 2018 27