Playing it smart

Cold winds blew and there were a couple of frosty mornings. It was also pretty mild and we had a bit of rain. The sun might have even peeked out for a while. All things considered, it was a pretty typical week for the weather in Bay St. George.

But sure enough, as we trudge through the last month of 2009 and into the early days of 2010, there's going to be some pretty nasty moments outside.

That said, the Georgian crew wants everybody to be safe while travelling on the roads this winter. Here are a few tips that we think will help you get around safely over the next few months.

Prep your ride

The Canadian Centre for Occupational Health and Safety (CCOHS) says keeping your vehicle in good technical repair reduces the chances for a mishap or disaster while driving.

They advise to check the electrical system (including battery, ignition and lights), brakes, exhaust system, heating/ cooling system, wiper blades, the fuel tank, and tires.

As well, they say you should have a winter driving kit in your vehicle, which could help handle emergency. Supplies include: a bag of sand, salt or kitty litter; traction mats; shovel; booster cables; windshield wiper fluid appropriate for sub-zero temperatures; paper towels; flashlight with extra batteries; a blanket; a first aid kit; and road maps.

As well, it would be a good idea to warm your car up before driving.

Get yourself ready

Transport Canada says the safest strategy is to steer clear of driving in bad weather conditions. Of course, this isn't always possible. Before heading out, check weather and travel conditions; give yourself some extra time to get where you're going; tell somebody where you're off to and the expected route you're going to take. And if the weather turns nasty, either wait for conditions to improve, turn back, or look for a safe place to park until it's safe to drive again.

The province's Department of Transportation and Works has a website dedicated to winter highway driving and road conditions. It can be found by visiting www.roads.gov.nl.ca/winterdriving/default.stm.

Heads up

When you do head out this winter, make sure you're alert and always wear your seatbelt. Transport Canada says to ensure snow and frost are removed from your vehicle's hood, roof, windows and lights. Also, stick to the main roads and slow down when necessary. As well, don't get too close to the vehicle in front of you - keep a safe distance at all times.

Stay calm

If you start to skid, the CCOHS says the first thing to remember is not to panic. They also say to steer your vehicle in the direction you want it to go, and do not brake or accelerate.

If you're using automatic transmission, they advise to shift to neutral. But if this can't be done immediately, do not touch the transmission gear. If you're using manual transmission, declutch.

When braking on a slippery road, they advise not slamming on the brakes unless it's an emergency. Rather, squeeze the brakes along with declutching or shifting to neutral.

We all should take the time and care to make sure that we travel on our roads this winter as safely as possible. In addition to making sure we ourselves arrive in one piece, taking precautions can also help minimize accidents involving our fellow road travellers. Nobody needs to get hurt or injured this winter.