680News traffic

This is by far the most difficult time of year for drivers.  Rapidly changing, unpredictable weather patterns can turn a decent drive into a nightmare within seconds.

We are also driving in the dark each morning as we go to work, and in the evening when we are heading home.  And let’s not forget the effect the build up to Christmas has on our ability to focus on driving.  Many of us are distracted, and at times completely overwhelmed by everything that needs to be done.

Christmas shopping provides its own challenges to drivers.  Not only are we looking for that perfect gift, we also need to track down that very hard to come by parking spot!! 

This frantic search can turn even the most docile driver into an aggressive predator.  I remember one year driving around a shopping mall parking lot for ages.  Twice, already,   I had given up a spot to a more aggressive rival.  The third time I was not giving in.  I eyed my opponent as we both waited for the car to back out.  I gesticulated to the other driver that this was my spot and he gesticulated back.  I shook my head and mouthed   “No. This is MY spot”.  He must have seen the fire in my eyes because he sped off, squealing his wheels in the process.

Did I enjoy my hard fought victory?  No.  As I shopped my imagination ran wild.  What if the other driver is so angry that he “keys” my car, or breaks a window, or worse…is waiting for me when I return?  Could I handle a parking lot rumble?

As it turned out all my worrying was for naught.  My car was untouched and no one was hovering in the shadows; no one that is except for two anxious motorists vying for my spot.

Do you have a Christmas parking lot story?

No matter how prepared we are, scary things can happen when we are driving, especially in the winter.

Yesterday I was on the 401 (not a route I enjoy using to begin with ) and a huge sheet of snow and ice flew off the truck in front of me and smashed into by windshield, temporarily blinding me. I was totally taken by surprise and automatically swerved into the left lane to try and avoid being hit by the ice. Luckily no other car was in the left lane at the time. So I made a mental note to make sure that I clear the snow from the roof of MY car, and not just from the windows. I would hate to be the one to cause an accident because I had not taken the time to properly clear my car of snow and ice.

Another frightening driving experience occurred last weekend while I was in
Minnesota for my nephew’s hockey tournament. A huge storm hit the area and road conditions were treacherous to say the least. I found myself having to drive through a blizzard at night. After four hours of white-knuckle driving I arrived at the airport just half an hour before my scheduled flight. It was an experience I never want to repeat.

Have you had a frightening winter driving experience you would like to share?  I’d love to hear about it. 

Oops we did it again.   

It seems that every time we get hit with that first snowfall there are a record number of accidents. We had over 700 accidents last year as a result of the first snowfall and this year the total was around 700 as well. 

Why are the numbers so high? We were given ample warning that the snow was coming.  We also know that, at this time of year, driving conditions can deteriorate rapidly. 

Is there anything we can do to lower these accident totals? 

According to the OPP Highway Safety Division the number one thing we need to do when the weather turns nasty is SLOW DOWN and drive according to the conditions. Travelling at too fast a pace for the conditions is the number one cause of winter crashes. 

Also, don’t get too close to the vehicle in front of you. Stopping distances are at least double on snowy roads, and even greater when the roads are icy.  

And make sure your vehicle is winter road worthy. By this I mean make sure you have snow tires, that you have had a winter safety check and that all your fluids are topped up, especially your windshield washer fluid. Make sure you have a scraper in the car and take the time to do a proper job of removing the ice and snow from your windows before pulling out of your driveway. Being able to see properly is half the battle. 

I would also suggest that, when faced with difficult driving conditions, you put the cell phone away and concentrate on the task at hand.   

So what do you think could help reduce the number of accidents? If you have any suggestions or driving tips I would love to hear them.