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Written by Craig Lawrence
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 The fact that you’re reading a magazine with “Winnipeg” in its title is a pretty strong indication that you’re no stranger to piloting a vehicle through some nasty winter conditions. However, if you’re like most drivers in this city, the months from May to September are spent enjoying relatively perfect driving conditions, and all those good defensive winter driving habits we developed last November to March have, shall we say, relaxed.
It’s understandable; we live in a four-season city, and the adjustment in driving from one to the other can take a little time. So, in an attempt to expedite that adjustment in driving skills, and hopefully keep all of our MPI premiums down, we are pleased to present the Winnipeg Men Winter Driving Guide.
A common misperception when considering the different skill sets required to drive in summer as opposed to winter, is that ice is the single factor that makes winter driving more difficult. According to Bill Ward, a driver and traffic education specialist with Wm. M.E. Ward & Associates, preparations for winter driving start well before you even get in the car. “Everything from using block and interior heaters to making sure the right viscosity of oil is in the vehicle has to be considered when you’re preparing to drive in the winter,” he says. “A vehicle with a warm engine and transmission, and using 5W-50 synthetic—the oil of choice for winter driving—will perform to a much higher standard than other vehicles.”
Ward, who has prepared his own “Extreme Weather Driving Conditions Manual,” also stresses that the type of fuel used during the winter has a dramatic effect on your vehicle’s performance. “The correct fuel to operate in extreme cold is the highest octane-rated fuel available that your engine will tolerate. Research has shown that fuel quality is very important to starting and operating in the extreme cold of North America. Ethanol/gasoline-blended fuel has shown to be the best for cold weather starting and in preventing water or moisture contamination of the fuel system. As well, it provides all of us with a cleaner environment year-round, he says.
  Once you’re actually in the car and the journey has begun, the key component in safe winter driving is obviously maintaining control of the vehicle. This, says Ward, is achieved through two factors—the first of which is watching your speed. Regardless of whether the road is covered in snow, ice or slush, Ward says one rule is paramount: Always drive at a road speed that matches the condition of the road surface. “Remember,” he adds, “it will take about 20 per cent longer to stop your vehicle when driving in winter conditions.”
Knowing what to do in the event of suddenly losing control of the vehicle is the second factor in the safe winter driving bag of tricks. Finding yourself in a skid and not knowing how to react will make a bad situation much worse. Ward acknowledges that keeping a level head during a skid isn’t the easiest thing, but it is nevertheless important. Smooth, controlled reactions rather than sudden movements will result in the vehicle responding as it should. Ward says that regardless of whether your vehicle is front- or rear-wheel drive, the way out of a skid remains the same. First, take your foot off the accelerator, shift into neutral and quickly but smoothly steer the vehicle in the direction you wish to go. The vehicle will then likely start a skid in the opposite direction so it’s important to anticipate this, and make every attempt to counter it with controlled steering.
As far as braking is concerned, Ward is eager to dispel the myth that pumping the brakes is the best way to stop a vehicle in the event of a skid. Ward is a proponent of the “Controlled Threshold Braking Technique” (see sidebar, p. 43). Essentially, this technique calls for firm, steady pressure on the brake pedal so that the tires remain in rotation, but are decelerating at the same time. Ward stresses that it’s a technique that requires practice —in a controlled test environment rather than Portage Avenue—but insists it is the quickest and safest way to stop an out-of-control vehicle.
Ward’s last tip for safe winter driving is to carry a winter survival kit in the trunk of your vehicle. These kits can be lifesavers in the event of being stranded in an isolated area. Ideally, the kits should contain the following:
- lightweight “Esbit” stove with fuel
- waterproof matches
- space blankets
- first aid kit
- carbon monoxide detector
- smokeless candles
- instant coffee pouches
- sugar packets
- water purifier
- instant soup packets
- energy bars
- stainless steel cooking container
- signal mirror
- small shovel
- extra warm clothing
Unless you’re a Snowbird, you’re going to spend some time driving in some pretty rough conditions this winter. Following the steps listed above will hopefully make that more enjoyable, less expensive, and most importantly, safer.
CONTROLLED THRESHOLD BRAKING
1.) Apply the brake, using the toes and ball of your foot with your heel on the floor and your thigh muscles applying the majority of the pressure. If lockup starts to occur (the clues are a dead feel to the steering wheel and an absence of steering response), release pressure by curling your toes to modulate the brake system line pressure so that the tire returns to a uniform rotation deceleration rate.
2.) Vehicles with automatic transmissions should have their transmissions shifted to neutral, while those with manual transmissions should de-clutch. This shortens the stopping distance substantially.
3.) Remember, pedal and brake line pressure requirements may vary with road surface and ambient temperature.
Note: If there is rain or water on the road, pedal pressure may be 30 per cent less than on dry pavement. If there is snow or wet ice or sand on the road pedal pressure may only be 20 per cent of that required on dry pavement.
©Wm. M.E. Ward 2007 |
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