Important tips from an expert for safe driving in snowy weather!

With the arrival of winter, Road and Traffic Safety Consultant Özgür Şener issued important warnings to drivers for safe driving in cold, snowy, icy, and foggy weather. He stated that the safest action for drivers in difficult weather and road conditions is not to drive at all.

Özgür Şener advised that "In slippery road conditions, reduce your speed, avoid sudden steering movements, and maintain a steady drive without sudden acceleration or braking." He also emphasized that "Are your winter tire tread depths sufficient? They should be at least 4mm."

Şener highlighted the importance of checking the heating systems in electric vehicles and stated that "Additionally, they should carefully determine charging stations to avoid being stranded without electricity on the road."

 

As a faculty member in the Occupational Health and Safety Department at Üsküdar University and a Road and Traffic Safety Consultant, Özgür Şener made his remarks on crucial safety warnings for drivers facing winter conditions with cold, snowy, icy, and foggy weather.

Do not drive in challenging weather and road conditions!

Özgür Şener emphasized that the safest choice in such conditions is to avoid driving and advised that "If you are not required to drive for work, do not go out. Prefer to use public transportation. If that is not an option and you must drive due to work requirements or other obligations, follow these recommendations. You should always adhere to these guidelines."

Reduce your speed on slippery roads!

Şener warned that being stranded in winter conditions can be extremely challenging for both drivers and passengers and added that "Remember that conditions that are difficult for you are also difficult for other drivers, so always opt for the safest choice. Reduce your speed on slippery roads, avoid sudden steering movements, and drive steadily without sudden acceleration or braking. Maintain a safe following distance. While some say it should be half of your speed in meters, accurately calculating distance is difficult. On a dry, smooth road, in clear weather, and within legal speed limits, you can check your following distance by picking a reference point (a pole or tree) and counting 'one thousand one, one thousand two, one thousand three' (3 to 4 seconds). If you reach that point after counting, you are at a safe distance. In wet, slippery, or rough conditions, or in foggy weather with poor visibility, increase your following distance to around 6 to 8 seconds."

Do not use your phone while driving!

Regarding distractions during driving, Şener reminded that "Rear-end collisions are deadly. The main reasons are not maintaining a safe following distance and using a phone while driving."

Preparing for winter conditions is crucial

Expresisng that "Ensure your vehicle is fit for safe travel. Take time to check your vehicle carefully before setting off,” Özgür Şener said that "If these conditions are not met, you will not be able to travel safely. The time and money you spend preparing your vehicle for travel will be far less than the costs and time lost due to an accident or being stranded. Unforeseen incidents can have irreversible consequences."

Are your winter tires’ tread depths sufficient?

"Do your tires have cracks, tears, or other damage? Are your tire pressures correct? (You can find the correct tire pressure for your vehicle on the fuel cap, inside the driver’s door, or in the owner's manual. Tire pressure does not change between summer and winter; it just needs to be at the correct level.) Are your winter tires' tread depths sufficient? They should be at least 4mm. Are all your lights and signals working? Are there any warning lights on your dashboard? Do your ventilation, air conditioning, and window defrosting systems work? Ensure your fuel level is at least three-quarters full. If possible, refill whenever it reaches half a tank. This will provide the necessary energy if you get stranded. Check that your wipers are intact, functional, and working properly."

Always add antifreeze to your windshield washer fluid!

Özgür Şener emphasized the importance of ensuring vehicles have the necessary heating systems for cold weather and Şener stated that "Check that your windshield washer fluid is sufficient. Washer fluid without antifreeze freezes in winter and can put drivers in a difficult situation. Always add antifreeze to your windshield washer fluid and use it once to circulate it through the system. Clean all windows and mirrors for full visibility. Snow accumulated on the top of vehicles can slide onto the windshield when braking, completely blocking the driver’s view and causing accidents. Keep the appropriate tools in your vehicle for cleaning."

Start your vehicle every 4-5 days if unused

Şener noted that with modern vehicle technology, warming up the engine before driving is no longer necessary and continued his remarks as follows: "However, you can start your vehicle to check for any issues, warm up the interior slightly, or defog the windows if needed. Private-use vehicles are often left unused for long periods in bad weather and heavy snow. In such cases, we recommend starting your vehicle every 4-5 days without moving it. This will help keep your battery and all systems in good working condition."

Your snow chains must match your tire size

Continuing his recommendations for safe winter driving, Özgür Şener said that "Emergency situations may arise in snowy weather, and you may need to use your vehicle. Therefore, we recommend regularly clearing snow off your car. Do you have snow chains that fit your tire size? Are your chains in usable condition? Check by comparing the size information on your tires with the numbers on the chain packaging. Winter tires alone will not help on roads that require chains. Some road surfaces will require chains. Remember that when stepping out of the vehicle on wet ground, your shoes may get wet, and your foot could slip off the pedals. If you have suitable floor mats, stand on them briefly to reduce slipping. Choose clothing appropriate for winter conditions, as you may need to exit the vehicle unexpectedly. Delays and road closures due to various reasons can occur on snowy roads. Keep water and essential food supplies in your vehicle, especially if you have young children. Also, be aware that stray animals, such as cats or dogs, may sleep under vehicles to stay warm. Always check under your vehicle before driving."

Attention electric vehicle users!

Lastly, Özgür Şener highlighted the importance of electric vehicle users ensuring their vehicle’s heating systems are functional and added that "Moreover, they should carefully plan charging stations to avoid being stranded without electricity on the road."

Üsküdar News Agency (ÜNA)