Important advice from an expert for safe driving in snowy weather!
With the winter season showing its effect, Road and Traffic Safety Consultant Özgür Şener, who made important warnings to drivers for safe driving in cold, snowy, icy and foggy weather, told drivers that the safest behavior to do when the weather and road conditions become difficult is not to drive.
“In cases where the ground is slippery, reduce your speed, do not make sudden steering movements, drive steadily without sudden acceleration and sudden braking. Özgür Şener, who made the suggestion, said, "Are the tread depths of your winter tires sufficient? It should be at least 4mm." said.
Stating that it is of great importance for electric vehicle users to control the heating system of vehicles, Şener said, “In addition, they should determine the charging stations well so that they do not stay on the road completely without electricity." said. Özgür Şener, Lecturer at the Occupational Health and Safety Department of Üsküdar University, Road and Traffic Safety Consultant, made important warnings to drivers for safe driving in cold, snowy, icy and foggy weather as the winter season shows its effect.
Do not drive when the weather and road conditions become difficult!
Özgür Şener expressed to the drivers that the safest behavior to do in cases where the weather and road conditions become difficult is not to drive, and said, “If you don't have to go by car due to your job, don't go. Choose to travel using public transport. If this option is not possible, please take into account the recommendations if you need to go driving due to the necessity of the work you are doing or necessarily. You should always follow these recommendations." said.
Reduce your speed when the ground is slippery!
Pointing out that in case of staying on any road in winter conditions, the conditions can be very challenging for the driver and passengers, Sener noted::
"Remember that the conditions that are difficult for you will also be difficult for other drivers, and always make your choice in favor of the safer option. In cases where the ground is slippery, reduce your speed, do not make sudden steering movements, drive steadily without sudden acceleration and sudden braking. Keep your tracking distance in such a way as to leave a safe space for yourself. Although it is said that half of your driving speed is meters for the tracking distance, it is very difficult to calculate the distance. A dry and smooth ground, in the open air, at the legal speed limits given for the road, referring to the vehicle in front of you, indicates that you are at a suitable tracking distance to come to a point where the vehicle passes (a pole on the roadside, a tree) when you count one thousand one, two thousand one thousand three (3 to 4 seconds). If the ground is wet, slippery, distorted, the weather is foggy, hazy and the visibility is not sufficient, the tracking distance should be increased (up to 6 to 8 seconds).”
Do not use a mobile phone while driving!
Şener, who also reminded the distractors while driving, said, “Rear-impact accidents are fatal. The most important reasons are not driving with a safe tracking distance and the use of mobile phones while driving.” he spoke.
Preparation for winter conditions is vital
“Make sure that your vehicle is suitable for a safe trip. Take the time to check your vehicle carefully before setting off." Özgür Şener, who said, continued as follows:
“If these conditions are not met, please know that you will not be able to travel safely. The time and expenses that you will devote to making your vehicle suitable for travel before you set off will be very, very little compared to the time and expenses in case of an accident or staying on the road that you will be involved in because you do not meet these conditions. Negative situations that may happen to you may have irreversible negative consequences.
Are the tread depths of your winter tires sufficient?
Are there any deformations such as cracks, tears in your tires, are your tire pressures appropriate? (The appropriate tire pressures of the vehicle are found on the tank cover, inside the driver's door, in the vehicle's owner's manual. Tire pressure values are not changed in summer and winter, it is enough to have the appropriate pressure value). Are the tread depths of your winter tires sufficient? It should be at least 4mm. Are all your headlights and lights working? Is there any malfunction or warning information on the vehicle's indicators? Are the ventilation, air conditioning and glass resistors of the vehicle working? To ensure the energy of your vehicle, make sure that the total capacity is at least three times four full. If possible, complete it every time it is half. Although it is not caused by you, you can provide the energy you need in this way in case of staying on any road. Check by operating that the wipers of the vehicle are intact, functional and in working order.”
Make sure to put antifreeze in your glass water!
Özgür Şener, who also drew attention to the importance of having the vehicle's systems that will provide the necessary engine heating in cold weather checked, said, “Check that your windshield wiper water is sufficient. In winter, the water without antifreeze freezes and leaves the driver in a difficult situation. Make sure to put antifreeze in your glass water and clean your front and back windows once after you put antifreeze for the cycle. Clean all the windows of the vehicle that provide your vision and all your mirrors and ensure full visibility. For example; the snow remaining on the upper side of the vehicles descends to the windshield when braking while driving and can completely block the driver's view, causing an accident. Keep the appropriate apparatus in your vehicle for this cleaning.” he testified.
Run your car every 4-5 days when you are not driving
Sener also said that today's vehicle technology does not need to keep the vehicles running for a while before moving, “However, you may prefer to start your vehicle to find out if there is a problem with the operation of your vehicle, to warm up the interior of the vehicle a little, if there is, to turn on the fog in your windows. Especially vehicles intended for private use are not moved for a long time in bad weather conditions and when there is a lot of snow on the ground. In such cases, we recommend that you run your vehicle where it is every 4-5 days without moving it. In this way, you can ensure the healthy operation of all systems, including your battery." said.
The chain must be compatible with the tire sizes of the vehicle
Özgür Şener continued his suggestions to drivers for a safe winter driving and continued as follows:
“In snowy weather, an emergency situation may occur and you may have to use your vehicle. For this reason, we recommend that you regularly clean the snow on your vehicle. Do you have a chain that is compatible with the tire sizes of your vehicle? Check if your chain is in use. For this check, you should compare the size information on your tires and the numbers on the chain box. Winter tires will not be able to help you on roads that need chains. Do not forget that there will definitely be floors where you need to wear chains. When you get out of the vehicle on wet floors, the bottoms of your shoes will get wet. When you press the pedals of the vehicle, the wet shoe floor will be able to slide on the pedal. If you have a suitable mat, leave it on the mat for a short time to prevent slipping. Make your clothing choices in accordance with winter conditions, in accordance with situations where you may need to get out of the vehicle for some reason. On snowy roads, there may be stays and waits on the road for various reasons. Keep water and food to handle in your vehicle, thinking about the passengers in the vehicle as well. It is especially important for families with young children. Because the bottom of the vehicles is dry, stray animals such as cats and dogs can sleep under it. It is necessary to check whether there is a living being under the vehicle before each ride.”
Electric vehicle users beware!
Özgür Şener, especially electric vehicle users, expressed that it is of great importance to control the heating system of vehicles and said, “In addition, they should determine the charging stations well so that they do not stay on the road completely without electricity.” he concluded his words.
