Motoring
Stay safe on the road this winter
Cold and wet driving conditions dictate a different driving style. Here are some essential tips for South African drivers.
South African drivers are bracing themselves for cold, wet and icy driving conditions. And while snow tyres aren’t common here, these valuable tips from MasterDrive will help you navigate the winter chills safely.
Master the art of defensive driving
- Anticipate hazards and react smoothly to avoid dangerous situations.
- Erratic manoeuvres can reduce traction, so focus on a controlled driving style.
Prepare your vehicle
- Tyre pressure is crucial: Ensure your tyres are properly inflated for optimal grip.
- Top up your antifreeze: This prevents your engine from freezing in cold weather.
Embrace slower speeds
- Reduce your speed significantly to match the road conditions.
- Increase following distances – give yourself ample room to react safely.
Maintain control
- Test the brakes gently: This helps you judge how slippery the road is.
- Avoid cruise control and sport mode: These features can reduce your control on slippery surfaces.
- Accelerate and decelerate slowly: Maintain traction and avoid skidding.
- Stability control warning light: If it flashes (car with curvy lines), your vehicle is at risk of losing control.
Recovering from a skid
- Don’t panic! Look in the direction you want to go, not at the skid.
- Steer toward the skid until you regain control, then gently straighten the wheel.
Black ice: The invisible threat
- Black ice is a thin layer of transparent ice that forms on the road in wet or sleety conditions.
- It’s hazardous due to its invisibility.
How to handle black ice
- Be extra vigilant: Look for glossy, slightly wet patches on the road – these could be black ice.
- Don’t slam on the brakes: This will worsen the situation.
- Ease off the accelerator and focus on maintaining a straight line.
- Turn corners gently: Avoid oversteering and losing control.
By following these winter driving tips, you can significantly increase your safety and the safety of others on the road. Remember, it’s always better to arrive late than never.
Source: MotorPress/MasterDrive
