SerendipityCrafts
11-03-2006, 01:18 PM
My 16 year old son phoned me late last night to tell me that he was in a car accident earlier that evening.
He was with 3 other guys and they were on their way to hockey practice. His friend (18 years old)/driver had not been drinking and speed was not a factor. Still, he is a relatively inexperienced driver, and so when he hit a patch of "black ice", the car went off the road and into the ditch.
My brother just happened to be passing by moments after the accident and was able to help the boys and call the police. Only one of the young men was injured (thank God) and thank goodness that injury wasn't severe. All of them were pretty shaken up.
Anyhow - I just thought it might be a good time to brush up our winter driving knowledge and skills.
***************************************
What makes the difference between an ordinary driver and a good one?
An ordinary driver reacts to the road situations.
A good driver anticipates crises and avoids them.How should you prepare a vehicle for driving under winter conditions?
Driving in winter weather -- snow, ice, wet and cold -- creates a great challenge for vehicles and drivers. Keeping your vehicle in good technical repair reduces your overall chances for any mishap or disaster while driving -- particularly in winter weather. To prepare your vehicle for winter driving give it a complete checkup. Look for the following:
Electrical system
Battery -- recharge or replace if the battery is weak. Also have the charging system checked.
Ignition -- check for damaged ignition wires and cracks in the distributor cap.
Lights -- check all lights (headlights, side lights, emergency flashers, directional lights, taillights, brake lights and parking lights) for proper functioning.Brakes
Check brakes and adjust to ensure equal braking.Tires
The traction between tires and roadway determines how well a vehicle rides, turns and stops, and is crucial for safe driving in winter. Proper tire selection is very important.
Use all-season radial tires only in areas that receive only light snowfall.
Use snow tires, at least on the drive wheels, in areas that receive heavy snowfall.
Use chains on all four wheels when you expect severe snow and icy roads. Check with your local Department or Ministry of Transportation office to see if the use of tire chains is legal in the region through which you are planning to drive.
Check tire pressure and if necessary restore it to levels recommended by the tire manufacturer. The pressure drops about 1 psi for every 5°C (9°F) drop in temperature.
Do not mix radial tires with other types.
Check tire balance and correct if necessary.
Check wheel alignment and correct if necessary.Exhaust system
Check the exhaust system for leaks. A properly sealed exhaust system reduces the risk for carbon monoxide poisoning.
Keep the window in your vehicle slightly open when you're stuck in snow, and run the engine and heater to keep warm.
Keep the exhaust pipe clear of snow. A blocked pipe can force carbon monoxide back into the car interior.Heating/cooling system
Check the radiator and hoses for leaks.
Ensure that your vehicle always has a sufficient amount of antifreeze rated for the coldest weather.
Check the defrosters (front and back) to make sure they are working efficiently.Windshield wipers
Ensure that windshield wipers function efficiently. Replace them if they are old or worn.
Fill the washer container with an antifreeze fluid and top it up frequently.Fuel
Fill up the fuel tank before you leave on your trip.
Do not let the fuel level get too low - the driving time to the next gas station may take much longer than you ever expected, and if you get stuck, the car engine will be your only source of heat.What should I include in a winter driving kit?
A well-stocked winter driving kit helps to handle any emergency. It should include:
Properly fitting tire chains
Bag of sand or salt (or kitty litter)
Traction mats
Snow shovel
Snow brush
Ice scraper
Booster cables
Warning devices such as flares or emergency lights
Fuel line de-icer (methanol, also called methyl alcohol or methyl hydrate)
Extra windshield wiper fluid appropriate for sub-freezing temperatures
Roll of paper towels
Flashlight and a portable flashing light (and extra batteries)
Blanket
Extra clothing, including hat and wind-proof pants, and warm footwear
First aid kit
Snack bars or other "emergency" food and water
Matches and emergency candles - only use with a window opened to prevent build-up of carbon monoxide.
Road maps.
"Call Police" or other help signs or brightly coloured banners.How should you prepare yourself for winter driving?
Plan your driving in advance.
Avoid driving when fatigued.
Contact your provincial "Road Reports" to get updates regarding road conditions in the region to which you are going.
Check weather conditions for your travel route (and time) before you begin driving.
Plan your arrival time at a destination by taking into account any delays due to slower traffic, reduced visibility, roadblocks, abandoned automobiles, collisions, etc.
Inform someone of your route and planned arrival time.
Choose warm and comfortable clothing. If you need to remove outdoor clothing later while driving, STOP the vehicle in a safe spot.
Warm up your vehicle BEFORE driving off. It reduces moisture condensing on the inside of the windows.
NEVER warm up your vehicle in a closed garage.
Remove snow and ice from your vehicle. It helps to see and, equally important, to be seen.
Wear sunglasses on bright sunny days.
Bring a cell phone if you have one but do not leave it in the car as the battery will freeze.
He was with 3 other guys and they were on their way to hockey practice. His friend (18 years old)/driver had not been drinking and speed was not a factor. Still, he is a relatively inexperienced driver, and so when he hit a patch of "black ice", the car went off the road and into the ditch.
My brother just happened to be passing by moments after the accident and was able to help the boys and call the police. Only one of the young men was injured (thank God) and thank goodness that injury wasn't severe. All of them were pretty shaken up.
Anyhow - I just thought it might be a good time to brush up our winter driving knowledge and skills.
***************************************
What makes the difference between an ordinary driver and a good one?
An ordinary driver reacts to the road situations.
A good driver anticipates crises and avoids them.How should you prepare a vehicle for driving under winter conditions?
Driving in winter weather -- snow, ice, wet and cold -- creates a great challenge for vehicles and drivers. Keeping your vehicle in good technical repair reduces your overall chances for any mishap or disaster while driving -- particularly in winter weather. To prepare your vehicle for winter driving give it a complete checkup. Look for the following:
Electrical system
Battery -- recharge or replace if the battery is weak. Also have the charging system checked.
Ignition -- check for damaged ignition wires and cracks in the distributor cap.
Lights -- check all lights (headlights, side lights, emergency flashers, directional lights, taillights, brake lights and parking lights) for proper functioning.Brakes
Check brakes and adjust to ensure equal braking.Tires
The traction between tires and roadway determines how well a vehicle rides, turns and stops, and is crucial for safe driving in winter. Proper tire selection is very important.
Use all-season radial tires only in areas that receive only light snowfall.
Use snow tires, at least on the drive wheels, in areas that receive heavy snowfall.
Use chains on all four wheels when you expect severe snow and icy roads. Check with your local Department or Ministry of Transportation office to see if the use of tire chains is legal in the region through which you are planning to drive.
Check tire pressure and if necessary restore it to levels recommended by the tire manufacturer. The pressure drops about 1 psi for every 5°C (9°F) drop in temperature.
Do not mix radial tires with other types.
Check tire balance and correct if necessary.
Check wheel alignment and correct if necessary.Exhaust system
Check the exhaust system for leaks. A properly sealed exhaust system reduces the risk for carbon monoxide poisoning.
Keep the window in your vehicle slightly open when you're stuck in snow, and run the engine and heater to keep warm.
Keep the exhaust pipe clear of snow. A blocked pipe can force carbon monoxide back into the car interior.Heating/cooling system
Check the radiator and hoses for leaks.
Ensure that your vehicle always has a sufficient amount of antifreeze rated for the coldest weather.
Check the defrosters (front and back) to make sure they are working efficiently.Windshield wipers
Ensure that windshield wipers function efficiently. Replace them if they are old or worn.
Fill the washer container with an antifreeze fluid and top it up frequently.Fuel
Fill up the fuel tank before you leave on your trip.
Do not let the fuel level get too low - the driving time to the next gas station may take much longer than you ever expected, and if you get stuck, the car engine will be your only source of heat.What should I include in a winter driving kit?
A well-stocked winter driving kit helps to handle any emergency. It should include:
Properly fitting tire chains
Bag of sand or salt (or kitty litter)
Traction mats
Snow shovel
Snow brush
Ice scraper
Booster cables
Warning devices such as flares or emergency lights
Fuel line de-icer (methanol, also called methyl alcohol or methyl hydrate)
Extra windshield wiper fluid appropriate for sub-freezing temperatures
Roll of paper towels
Flashlight and a portable flashing light (and extra batteries)
Blanket
Extra clothing, including hat and wind-proof pants, and warm footwear
First aid kit
Snack bars or other "emergency" food and water
Matches and emergency candles - only use with a window opened to prevent build-up of carbon monoxide.
Road maps.
"Call Police" or other help signs or brightly coloured banners.How should you prepare yourself for winter driving?
Plan your driving in advance.
Avoid driving when fatigued.
Contact your provincial "Road Reports" to get updates regarding road conditions in the region to which you are going.
Check weather conditions for your travel route (and time) before you begin driving.
Plan your arrival time at a destination by taking into account any delays due to slower traffic, reduced visibility, roadblocks, abandoned automobiles, collisions, etc.
Inform someone of your route and planned arrival time.
Choose warm and comfortable clothing. If you need to remove outdoor clothing later while driving, STOP the vehicle in a safe spot.
Warm up your vehicle BEFORE driving off. It reduces moisture condensing on the inside of the windows.
NEVER warm up your vehicle in a closed garage.
Remove snow and ice from your vehicle. It helps to see and, equally important, to be seen.
Wear sunglasses on bright sunny days.
Bring a cell phone if you have one but do not leave it in the car as the battery will freeze.