January 30, 2004, Winter Driving Safety Tips

NEWMARKET – With recent heavy snowfalls and more snow in the forecast, York Region Health Services reminds residents to take extra safety precautions when behind the wheel.

Statistics show that 3,607 collisions were weather-related in York Region 2001 and 2002 (York Region Transportation Operations Branch, 2001-2002). Most of these incidents could have been prevented. Winter driving demands using certain techniques to avoid slipping or sliding when snow and ice cover our streets and highways.

Reduce the risk of having a weather-related vehicle collision by following these tips:

· Drive defensively. Stay alert and vigilant

· Stay on main roads. Let someone know your route

· Slow down. Speed limits are for ideal conditions

· Increase your margin of safety. Stopping distances are increased three to nine times on ice or snow

· Learn temperature traps. Freezing occurs first on overpasses, underpasses and bridges. Ice and snow are twice as slippery at 0˚C as they are at -18˚C

· See and be seen. Clear ice and snow from your entire car including lights

· Be careful around intersections. Intersections may become "polished" by repeated slipping and sliding, especially at sunrise and sunset

· In a skid, ease off the accelerator and steer in the direction you want to go

· Get in a rut. On uncleared roads the safest place to be is in the tracks of other cars

· Avoid sudden changes. This includes acceleration, hard braking, and lane changes

· Always keep your gas tank at least half full. Ice crystals can form with condensation, and clog fuel lines

· Don't rush it. Leave yourself plenty of time to get where you are going

Be prepared for an emergency by carrying a winter survival kit in your car, including:

· windshield scraper and snow brush

· lightweight shovel

· bag of sand, traction mats or kitty litter

· booster cables

· empty gas container (four litre size)

· emergency flares (place a least 15m away from vehicle)

· emergency food pack

· emergency candle/matches

· spare fuses

· tool kit – pliers, screwdriver, small hammer wrench etc.

· fire extinguisher (ABC type)

· road maps

· flashlight, first aid kit, survival blanket

· compass

· extra clothing/footwear

· battery operated radio (for current weather reports)

And remember to:

· remain calm.

· stay in your car

· lower a window that is sheltered to keep fresh air in your car

· ensure your tailpipe is not blocked by snow

· run your motor sparingly, use a candle for heat

· set out flares, put on your interior dome light

· wear a hat, as you can lose up to 60% of body heat through your head

· exercise your limbs, hands and feet vigorously

· keep moving, don't fall asleep

· watch closely for traffic or searchers

For more information on winter safe driving tips or other health-related questions, contact York Region Health Services Health Connection at 1-800-361-5653 or visit www.region.york.on.ca.

Contact: Wendy Lewis, York Region Corporate Communications Services

905-830-4444 Ext. 1238

wendy.lewis@region.york.on.ca