MONTREAL - Being able to stop safely in a hurry may be the most important thing you do this winter.
It's easier to control your car if it is equipped with anti-lock brakes, but even without them you can maintain control of a skidding vehicle if you use threshold braking; that means applying the brakes to the point just before they lock up.
With ABS, "you hit the brake hard but you still can turn the wheel and change direction," said professional driver Richard Spenard.
However on black ice, Spenard recommends not touching the brakes at all.
"Put it in neutral," said Spenard. "Don't touch anything else, just try to drive the car in neutral until the black ice is finished."
Before getting behind the wheel, there are plenty of things to do to prepare your car.
Make sure you have the right emergency gear, including a blanket, booster cables, a flashlight and first aid kit.
A snow brush is also handy to have, but don't think you're allowed to drive around with just your front window cleared off.
"It's actually a law. If you don't clean up the roof of your car you could have a ticket," said Spenard.
If you do end up off the road, the best thing to do is stay in your car.
"You walk out of your car chances are you might get hit," said Spenard, pointing out that if you spin out because it's slippery, other cars may not be able to stop either.
Proper seating behind the wheel is also a must, and it has changed.
Spenard recommends sitting so your knee is bent so you can fully apply the brake, and keeping your hands at 9 and 3 o'clock.
"It used to be 10:10 but now with the airbags it's safer at 9:15 if you're in an accident so your hands don't blow in your face."
