If You Don't Know These Basics Of Winter Storm Driving, You're Hooped!

Driving in a winter storm in which there are snow drifts and freezing rain is a reality in Ontario and other parts of the Great White North. If you've ever watched clips of people in Alabama driving during a freak snow storm, you'll appreciate the deftness with which we in the north casually circumnavigate our roads--not to mention the road maintenance that is close to perfection. 

To get around in a freezing rain and snow storm can be a safe(r) endeavour by considering these very basic tips:

1. Leave plenty of room: Simple right? Leave a good 3 seconds of space between you and the vehicle in front of you. In the event the vehicle ahead hits a patch of ice, you'll have some time to respond accordingly. Save the bumper-to-bumper highway driving to the summer. 

2. Keep your windows clear: It's easy to get in your vehicle and head out on the road with snow caked along your windows. Rather than thinking your heater will take care of it, spend a few minutes properly scraping and brushing away ice and snow from your windshield and all other windows. 

3. Stay calm: When you panic, cortisol rushes up from your kidneys to your brain and not only sets off your fight or flight response but also reduces your intelligence--you become, for that period of time, dumber! By staying calm while driving in stormy weather, you are much more alert and able to think through hazards that emerge before you. 

4. Stay in far lanes: When you're driving on the highway, stay in the far lanes, which will give you a shoulder to pull onto in the event something goes wrong ahead, or you need to dodge an erratic vehicle or accident ahead of you. Being stuck in the middle lane could pin you in during an accident or potential accident. Keep your escape routes open.

5. Stay home: Do you really need that container of Hagen Dazs ice cream? If you don't need to go out, then don't. If you're doing take-out, have it delivered. If you don't feel comfortable going to someone's house you've been invited to, kindly let your hosts know and don't sweat it.