Senior Moments - The Campbellford Seniors Club Newsletter Issue 25 | Page 17

Information & News
Don’t use cruise control on wet,
snowy or icy pavement – it reduces
your reaction time and vehicle control.
Steer gently on curves and in
slippery conditions. Hard braking,
quick acceleration and sudden gear
changes can cause you to skid.
If you do skid, release your brakes
and steer in the direction you want
to go. Be careful not to steer too far
though or the car could spin.
•  Give space
It takes longer to stop on slippery
roads – make sure there’s extra space
between you and other vehicles.
•  Focus and stay alert
Focus on the road. Put down the
phone and don’t drive distracted.
Pay attention to the road surface.
Asphalt in winter should look grey-
white. If it looks black and shiny it
could be covered in ice. Remember
that shaded areas, bridges and
overpasses freeze earlier than other
sections of road.
•  See and be seen
Use your vehicle’s full lighting
system in poor visibility and whiteout
c onditions. If conditions become
dangerous, pull over safely and wait
for the weather to improve.
Driving Near Snowplows
Stay back from working snowplows and
other winter maintenance vehicles (e.g.
trucks spreading salt or spraying anti-
icing liquid) with flashing blue lights.
You’ll see them on highways before,
during and after a snowfall or storm.
Never pass a working snowplow – it’s
very dangerous for you and the plow
driver. Sight lines and visibility can be
significantly reduced by blowing snow
and the ridge of snow that the plow
creates. Trying to pass between or
around a snowplow could result in a
severe – even fatal – collision.
Be patient – it takes time to clear the
roads after a snowfall. If you’re driving
behind a snowplow, wait for it to finish
its job. Roads are plowed in sections,
so you usually won’t be stuck behind a
plow for more than 20-30 minutes.
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