Public Safety Education Network -- PSEN
Winter Driving Thoughts to Consider
Driver Pre-planning
• Weather forecast will prepare you.
• Rain, Sleet, Snow, Ice
• Daily temperature differences
Tires / Tire Chains
How Braking Changes
• See + Think = Do
• Braking and maintaining control challenges
us
• This distance can also be expressed as the time it
takes to stop. When you see a problem ahead while
driving, it will take you about 3/4 of a second of
Perception Time (See-Think) and another 3/4 of a
second of Reaction Time (Do).
Braking Distance Changes
• Not only do vehicles have
limits, we, as drivers have
limits
• Use brakes cautiously. Abrupt braking can cause brake lockup, which causes you to lose steering control.
• To make antilock brakes work correctly, or work at all, you
should apply constant, firm pressure to the pedal
Engine Retarder System
• Some retarders can actually cause the
drive wheels to lock up, stalling the
engine, and in some cases result in
loss of control or even cause a
tractor/trailer to jackknife.
• An engine retarder is more efficient at a
higher engine r.p.m. and a lower
vehicle speed
Wet Roadway – Black Ice
• To stop on icy roads, use extremely light
pressure on the brake to control your
vehicle’s speed
• A slowly revolving wheel on an icy surface
will be more effective than a locked wheel
skidding on an icy surface
• Make certain tire chains are properly
sized for your tires and tightly mounted
Steady and Slow
• Keep your speed
steady and slow
• Speed limits are for perfect, dry conditions.
On winter’s icy roadways, half the speed
limit may be suicide
Encourage Crew Input
• Encourage others onboard to participate in the exchange of any
information they think will help
Intersection Safety
Increase Following Distances
Skidding
• If you go into a skid, act quickly by taking your foot off
the accelerator.
• Keep your foot off the brake and steer in the direction
the rear of the vehicle is skidding. In other words, if you
want your vehicle to go right, turn right. If you want it to
go left, turn left. Hold the steering wheel firmly, but don’t
make large turns. Use a light touch to correct the
swerve.
• Follow your department guidelines and
procedures
• Incorporate manufacturer
recommendations at all times
• This seasonal review is refresher only.
Public Safety Education Network -- PSEN
Winter Driving Thoughts to Consider