First-Time Readers

January 2004

Read the following words and their meanings before reading about winter driving. These words are noted in bold letters throughout the article. A good understanding of these words will help you gain a better understanding on the information provided.

Vocabulary Checklist

visibility - ability to see clearly
malfunction - stop working
consumption - usage
severe - harsh
mechanism - tool or working part
condensation - water fonning / moisture build up
accelerate - speed ahead

Driving in Newfoundland and Labrador during the winter months can be very dangerous. Our weather can change very quickly. We get lots of snow, wind, and rain. This can cause slippery conditions with poor visibility. The temperature often drops well below freezing. There are miles of road where few services are available should you get stranded. We often have different weather systems in different parts of the province. It may be raining on the Avalon Peninsula and snowing heavily in the central region of the province. All these things should make us stop and think before we travel. Completing the following checklist can help you become a better winter driver, most importantly, acting on it may save your life!