10 Bad winter driving habits
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Driving while impaired. This may seem obvious, but it’s important. Driving requires someone sober and alert, so if you’ve had alcohol, taken medication, or just feel really tired, don’t drive.
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Driving while distracted. Make an effort to keep yourself focused on the driving task. Activities such as texting, eating, smoking, and scrolling through your iPod make driving risky.
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Speeding. Following posted speed limits will increase your fuel efficiency and keep the roads safer for everyone.
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Tailgating. Follow at a safe distance so you have time to react if there is a hazard ahead and leave space when stopped.
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Rolling stops. Stop completely so you are predictable to others and safe if someone runs the stop sign altogether.
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Idling. You should never idle for more than 60 seconds, so get in the habit of turning off the engine when stopped for more than a minute.
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Not cleaning off your car. Leaving your car covered in snow is dangerous and could land you a ticket. Keep your windows clear and your hood, roof and trunk cleared off.
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Waiting until you’re on empty. An empty gas tank is damaging to your fuel system and, in the winter especially, makes it harder for your car to start.
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Leaving your high beams on. No driver enjoys high beams to the eyes, so remember to switch to low beams within 150m of oncoming traffic and 60m when following behind another vehicle.
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Not wearing your seatbelt. Before putting you car into drive, buckle up. Not only is it the law, it is the simplest way to survive an accident next to not having an accident.