Shift Into Winter Driving Quiz

You should do all these things before deciding to go out when the weather is bad. Where possible, try to travel during daylight and let someone know your route and planned arrival time. For more winter travel tips, visit shiftintowinter.ca/prepare-yourself/.

In winter conditions, you should drop your speed to match the road conditions. The posted speed limit is the maximum speed limit under ideal conditions. In winter, it is often safer to drive below the posted speed.

You should always stay at least four seconds behind the car in front of you. No matter how much driving experience you have, the way your car will move on snow or ice is unpredictable so increasing your following distance is a safe winter driving practice.

How to measure following distance
Choose a fixed point that is even with the car in front of you. For example, an overhead sign, a tree or a building. If you reach that same fixed point before you count to four, then you are driving too close.

You should ease your foot off the accelerator while looking and steering smoothly in the direction you want the car to go. In fact, you may need to repeat this action more than once until you regain control. Don’t slam on the brakes, as that will only make the situation worse.