Mountain Driving Safety Tips
There’s not a lot scarier when driving on the mountain road when it’s snowing and icy than coming around a corner with perhaps a wee bit much speed and all of a sudden feeling the steering wheel go ‘loose’ and your trajectory straighten up in what feels like the direction of a sizeable cliff drop. Every instinct tells you to swerve sharply and jam the breaks, however steadily navigating to the side while keeping a constant speed has proved in this case to ultimately be the best option for sustained longevity.
Driving on snow or ice is completely different to driving on a normal road surface like asphalt or even loose gravel. The biggest dangers are excessive speed, sudden changes in direction, hurried take off and sudden stopping. The best advice is to drive smoothly and expect the unexpected. Accelerate and brake with gradually applied pressure, on excessively slippery surfaces gently pump the brakes; don’t use sudden or forced pressure on the brakes or accelerator.
A few pointers worth noting:
- Be seen by others, drive with your lights on
- Drive expecting the unexpected
- Even if you are an experienced driver, don't be overconfident
- Leave a big gap to the car ahead of you
- Avoid sudden movements
- Look further ahead than normal and anticipate change
- Black ice is common in shaded areas, around waterways and lakes
- If you encounter a skid or slide, take your foot off the accelerator and turn the steering wheel in the direction the vehicle is moving to help gain control
- Update yourself of the road conditions (AA Roadwatch, Transit NZ)
- Warm the engine before starting any travel, and use the air-conditioning to dry the interior and keep the windscreen clear
SUBARU ALL WHEEL DRIVE
Subaru's All Wheel Drive is designed to give you superior control and grip on all road surfaces and conditions. Subaru pioneered Symmetrical All Wheel Drive over 40 years ago, and engineers have been refining it ever since. Combined with Vehicle Dynamics Control system (VDC), Symmetrical All Wheel Drive optimises tyre traction and provides you with exceptional control, balance, grip and handling improving driving enjoyment and confidence whether it be on wet windy roads, ice and snow or muddy tracks.
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