How to correct common winter driving mistakes

WATCH: Winter driving can be hazardous, and driving mistakes can make it worse. Watch above for some life-saving winter driving tips.

TORONTO – Common mistakes can claim lives during the winter driving season as impatience combined with bad weather can make for a lethal mix.

Carl Nadeau, a professional race car driver and chief instructor at the Michelin Winter Driving Academy, described three typical situations drivers may encounter and the mistakes they make while in them.

Braking improperly after hitting a slippery patch

Nadeau says pumping the brakes is one of the worst things you can do when you lose control of your vehicle over an icy patch of road.

“By pumping the break, every time you release completely your car is still travelling and so it doesn’t affect the speed,” explained Nadeau. “If you have ABS (anti-lock braking), hit the brakes as hard as you can and hold the brake pressure until the car stops. If you don’t have ABS be a bit more gentle with the brake peddle. Brake and give as much pressure as you can (without slamming them) before the wheels lock.”

READ MORE: The 5 worst winter driving habits

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Driving too fast

Nadeau says people should drive below the posted speed limit during severe snow storms.

“The problem with some people is that they don’t adapt the speed to the road conditions; so a lot of people will see a sign saying 100 km/h and think, ‘good, I can drive 100 km’ even though it may be extremely dangerous to do so. If there are three lanes on the highway, stick to the right lane or centre lane and adapt your speed to the conditions. If you’re going too fast, you’re just going to crash at some point.”

Driving during poor visibility

Even light snow whipped up by swirling winds can present a serious hazard when it hampers your ability to see the way forward.

Nadeau says some people will lean forward in their seats to try and get a better view, but this will do nothing to improve the situation and can put you at greater risk during an accident.

“The only thing this does is put you so close to the steering wheel and windshield that you can’t really do anything because you’re stuck with the steering wheel on your belly. Just keep your regular driving position and basically look as far ahead as you can in front of your car. And if you don’t see anything, just drive slowly.”

The Canadian Auto Association (CAA) also recommends not driving with your heater in re-circulation mode because there is too much moisture from melting snow and bodies in the vehicle – likely wet or partially covered in snow – for the defroster to do its job effectively.

READ MORE: Winter tires – Do you need them?

Be prepared

Stocking the right supplies in your vehicle for emergencies is also an important, potentially life-saving step. The CAA recommends the following:

• winter gloves and boots
• blanket or extra clothing
• extra windshield washer fluid
• first aid kit
• paper map (not just a GPS unit)
• ice scraper and/or snow brush
• flashlight and batteries
• battery jumper cables
• bag of sand, salt or kitty litter
• small shovel
• candy or chocolate bar for energy
• waterproof matches
• portable cell phone charger