Snow Way! Johannesburg Embraces the Chill with Rare Snowfall!

Johannesburg witnessed an extraordinary event last Monday morning—a snowfall that surprised residents and left them in awe. It was a truly remarkable occurrence, as the last time Johannesburg saw snowfall remains a distant memory for most. While South Africa may not be renowned for extreme winter weather, it is crucial for motorists to be prepared and equipped with driving tips to navigate safely through the snowy conditions. Whether you're a seasoned driver or a novice, understanding the measures required for your vehicle's condition and adopting appropriate driving techniques becomes paramount. And well, we never know when it may snow again:

Here are some essential steps and guidelines to ensure safe driving during winter:

Vehicle Checks

Before driving in winter weather, ensure that your vehicle is ready for the conditions. Conduct a pre-trip inspection and pay extra attention to the following:

1. Coolant Level and Antifreeze Amount: Ensure that the cooling system is full and contains enough antifreeze to protect against freezing. You can use a special coolant tester to check the levels.
2. Defrosting and Heating Equipment: Verify that the defrosters are working properly as they are crucial for safe driving. Make sure the heater is functioning correctly and familiarize yourself with its operation.
3. Wipers and Washers: Check the condition of the windshield wiper blades and ensure they make proper contact with the windshield to effectively clear snow. Confirm that the windshield washer system is functional and contains washer fluid mixed with antifreeze to prevent freezing.
4. Tyres: Adequate tyre tread is essential for traction on wet and snowy roads. Ensure that your tyres have sufficient tread depth. The drive tyres must provide traction to propel the vehicle, while the steering tires require traction for effective manoeuvring.
5. Lights and Reflectors: Keep the lights and reflectors clean and free from snow and ice. In poor weather conditions, visibility is crucial, so periodically check that all lights are working correctly.
6. Windows and Mirrors: Clear all ice, snow, and other obstructions from the windshield, windows, and mirrors before setting off. Use a windshield scraper and defroster as needed to maintain visibility and effectively communicate with other drivers.
7. Exhaust System: Check the exhaust system for leaks, as they can be especially dangerous when ventilation inside the vehicle is limited. Carbon monoxide leakage can cause drowsiness and, in high concentrations, can be lethal. Inspect for loose parts and signs of leaks.

Driving Techniques

When driving in snowy and icy conditions, it is crucial to adjust your driving techniques to ensure safety. Here are some tips:

1. Slippery Surfaces: Drive slowly and smoothly on slippery roads. If the conditions are extremely treacherous, consider stopping at the nearest safe location until conditions improve.
2. Avoid Driving Distracted: Maintain focus on the road and keep both hands on the steering wheel at all times. Avoid distractions and prioritize safe driving.
3. Start Gently and Slowly: When starting your journey, get a feel for the road conditions and avoid sudden acceleration. Take your time to ensure stability.
4. Adjust Turning and Braking: Make gentle turns and avoid sudden, hard braking. Adjust your driving to the conditions and brake as lightly as necessary.
5. Adjust Speed: Unless necessary, avoid overtaking slower vehicles. Maintain a steady speed, keeping a safe distance from other vehicles. Slow down before curves and avoid braking while in the midst of a curve. Be aware that rising temperatures can make the road even more slippery.
6. Adjust Space: Maintain a longer following distance than usual, as this gives you more time to react to any sudden changes ahead. Slow down or stop when encountering a traffic jam and anticipate stops early, reducing speed gradually.
7. Be Careful of Wet Brakes: If driving in heavy rain or deep standing water, your brakes may become wet, resulting in reduced braking power. To mitigate this, slow down, shift to a low gear, gently apply the brakes to remove water from the linings, and maintain light brake pressure for a short distance to dry them out.

Safety Advice from Experts

It is important to consider advice from road safety experts when driving in snowy and icy conditions. Here are some additional safety guidelines:

• Decrease your speed and maintain a greater distance between vehicles.
• Brake gently to avoid skidding, easing off the brake if your wheels lock up.
• Ensure your lights and windshield are clean for improved visibility.
• Use low gears, especially on hills, to maintain traction.
• Avoid using cruise control or overdrive on icy roads.
• Exercise caution on bridges, overpasses, and less-traveled roads, as they are more prone to freezing.
• Don't assume that your vehicle, even if four-wheel or front-wheel drive, can handle all conditions.
• In the event of skidding, take appropriate measures, such as steering in the desired direction, pumping brakes gently (if not equipped with anti-lock brakes), or applying steady pressure (if equipped with anti-lock brakes).

If your vehicle gets stuck, avoid spinning the wheels and follow these steps:

• Turn your wheels from side to side to clear snow from the path.
• Apply a light touch on the accelerator to ease your car out.
• Clear snow away from the wheels and underside of the car with a shovel.
• Use sand, kitty litter, gravel, or salt to enhance traction.
• Consider rocking the vehicle gently if necessary, shifting between forward and reverse gears while applying gentle accelerator pressure.

By following these driving tips and guidelines, you can enhance your safety and the safety of others when driving in snowy weather conditions in South Africa.