In low-visibility
conditions, avoid
passing: you may
not see a vehicle
in the other lane
until it's too late.
3 Driving in Low Visibility
Blowing snow, freezing rain, glare and fewer daylight
hours can wreak havoc on visibility. Here's how to cope:
Take it slow. "Drive at the appropriate
conditions are poor,
speed for conditions. That might be at the
speed limit, or that might be half the speed
limit," says Lang. And if you're driving in
darkness, "don't overdrive your headlights."
Pass on passing. "In low visibility,
you can't see if there is an
obstruction in the other
lane until you're right on top
of it," says Lang. A worst-case
scenario: trailing a snowplow. The white cloud they
kick up is virtually impossible
to see around. Most plows stop every five
to eight kilometres to let people go by, but
other vehicles won't necessarily oblige. So
decide: what's more important, your
safety, or getting to your destination a few
minutes quicker?
Rethink your game plan. Before
heading out, check AMA Road Reports
(AMARoadReports.ca), including the realtime traffic-camera footage. Ask yourself,
"Do I really need to make this trip?" If
conditions are poor, you probably have
your answer.
LEARN MORE
Take AMA's Winter Driving course to
brush up on your skills and boost your
confidence. ama.ab.ca/winter-course
Pick up an Emergency Roadside Kit at any
AMA centre. Just $80 for members and
$100 for non-members. ama.ab.ca
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