Issue link: http://digital.canadawide.com/i/411777
44 bca a .com winter 2014 iStock R O A D S I D E Drive Smart STEER CLEAR It's no big surprise that vehicle crashes rise dramatically in the winter driving season. According to police data compiled by ICBC, crashes causing injuries or fatalities in the Lower Mainland increase by 42 per cent in December compared to October, while in the Southern Interior, the numbers more than triple by early winter. The good news is that most accidents are preventable: over 90 per cent of all collisions are due to driver error, according to Young Drivers of Canada. To help keep you safe this winter, prepare yourself for changing conditions with these basic tips for driving in poor weather. • In rain and snow • If your car runs through a puddle and starts to hydro- plane (loses contact with the road), ease off the gas and don't make any sudden steering moves. Once clear of the water, pump the brakes a few times to dry them out. • If stuck in the snow, "rock" the car gently by shifting between forward and reverse, without spinning the tires, until you can pull out of the snow. • Watch your distance • Reduce your speed and maintain a safe following distance (a four-second interval) between you and the car in front. • Signal lane changes and turns well in advance to give other drivers plenty of warning and time to adjust. • See and be seen • Before you begin driving, make sure you can see clearly and that you're visible to other drivers. Clear ice and snow from windows, mirrors and lights, as well as from the hood, roof and trunk. Plus, clear the exhaust pipe to prevent toxic carbon monoxide from entering the car. • Turn on your headlights/ tail lights in the daytime so others can see you in fog, snow or low light conditions. If you have fog lights or driving lights, turn them on. At night, use high beams whenever it's safe to do so. • Slip sliding away • Accelerate more slowly on slick surfaces to avoid spinning the drive wheels. On ice or slick snow, start off in second gear. • To descend a slippery hill, brake gently to maintain trac - tion and use a lower gear. If your car starts to slide, look and steer in the direction you want to go. For anti- lock brakes, maintain firm pedal pressure. Members earn up to 3X CAA Dollars at Husky. Just swipe your Membership card when you fill up, and your CAA Dollars can be used towards your Membership renewal or any BCAA Insurance products. bcaa.com/husky MEMBERS SAVE! • Plan ahead • Check road conditions in advance at drivebc.ca or on the BCAA app. P lan your route, stay on well-travelled roads, and if conditions look really difficult, stay home! • Keep your gas tank at least half-full all winter to pre - vent condensation build-up and subsequent fuel-line freezing. Add fuel-line anti- freeze where necessary. n – Greg Wilson DID YOU KNOW? CAA Plus and Premier Memberships include Roadtrip Interruption Benefits should car trouble disrupt your trip: bcaa. com/membership