The holidays are a time of celebration. There are staff parties, family gatherings, and many other social occasions to celebrate as we approach Christmas. That’s why every year at this time, Prince Edward Island celebrates National Safe Driving Week.
The theme of this year’s Safe Driving Week Campaign is “Weatherwise...Be Prepared.” With all the extra travel associated with the holiday season, it’s important that you are prepared for the challenges winter weather can provide. Here are some basic tips to help ensure you are ready for winter driving:
-Make sure your brakes are functioning properly and in good repair. Good brakes are crucial to safe winter driving, so make sure they are checked before winter hits.
-Equip your car with winter tires and make sure the air pressure is where it should be. Also make sure there is a “snowflake-inside-mountains” symbol on the tire sidewalls.
-Make sure the battery is in proper working condition. Winter temperatures put an additional strain on car batteries.
-Make sure your windshield is clear and your wipers are working properly. It’s very important to be able to clearly see the road ahead. Make sure you add cold weather windshield fluid as well.
-Have a winter driving kit in your car including an ice scraper and brush, a shovel, a gritty substance such as sand, road flares, jumper cables, a flashlight, gasoline antifreeze and extra washer fluid with anti-freeze solvent. Of course you should also have a spare tire, wheel wrench and tire jack. Survival gear such as warm blankets, fresh water, matches, first aid kit, and a well-charged cell phone are important to have available in the car at all times.
“These are all good tips, but the most important of all is that you adjust your driving habits to suit the conditions,” says minister of Transportation and Public Works Ron MacKinley. “Taking your time to get to your destination and driving with care are the best ways to avoid collisions and injuries.”
For more information on winter driving safety visit http://www.safety-council.org/