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• Winter weather can be very unpredictable, as can
the road conditions. Besides snow and slush, black
ice is a common occurrence on Newfoundland and
Labrador roadways.
• Risk increases without the proper behaviour/skills.
• 13% of Nalcor’s safety related incidents reported in
2014 were driving related. Of these:
– 29% were due to employee driving behaviours;
– 26% were due to third party drivers.
Five Ways to be a Better Winter Driver
3. Clear your entire vehicle of snow and ice
• This includes your
windshield, roof,
mirrors, headlights
and taillights.
• Doing so increases
your visibility and
protects other drivers
and pedestrians.
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4. Be constantly aware of your surroundings
Before you drive,
perform a full vehicle
orientation and always
pay attention behind the
wheel. Driver distraction,
road conditions, third
parties and animals
(moose, caribou) are
frequent vehicle incident
factors.
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5. Always be prepared
• Check the weather forecast and road conditions
before you leave.
• Avoid rushing, give yourself extra time to clear your
car and reach your destination safely.
• Equip your vehicle with the following:
- Extra jug windshield wash (rated for winter temps)
- Ice scraper/snow brush
- Emergency kit
- Warm blanket/extra clothes
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6. Slow down and keep your distance
• No matter the posted
limit, use caution and
adjust your speed when
driving on snowy or
slippery roads.
• Maintain a good braking
distance of at least four
seconds from the car
ahead of you, this ensures
you have enough space to
stop safely on icy streets.
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7. Avoid incident in case of a skid
• Drivers should be looking far ahead to anticipate the
need to change speed, to steer into another lane or
turn.
• Remember the following tips if a skid occurs:
– Stay calm
– Do not accelerate
– Do not brake
– Look where you want your vehicle to go
– Steer in this direction.
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8. A proud, diverse energy company, whose people are committed
to building a bright future for Newfoundland and Labrador,
unified by our core values.
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