Reading — Test 8

Reading passage

Winter Driving: Getting Ready Before the Snow Flies Every fall, roads across Canada begin their slow turn from wet leaves to black ice, and drivers who wait too long to prepare often pay for it in the first big storm. Provincial transportation departments recommend switching to winter tires by the time the average daily temperature drops below 7 degrees Celsius, since the rubber in all-season tires stiffens in the cold and grips far less effectively than winter-rated rubber does. In Quebec, winter tires are actually mandatory between December 1 and March 15, and drivers caught without them can face a fine. Beyond tires, a proper winter emergency kit belongs in every trunk. At minimum, this should include a small shovel, sand or kitty litter for traction if a tire gets stuck, a flashlight with spare batteries, a blanket, warm gloves, and a few high-energy snacks. A fully charged phone charger is also worth keeping in the car, since a dead battery during a roadside wait for help can turn a minor inconvenience into a dangerous one. Before setting out on any winter trip, check road conditions through your province's highway hotline or website, since a route that looks clear on a map can be closed by a whiteout an hour later. Once on the road, slow down well before curves and intersections, leave at least twice the following distance you would in summer, and avoid sudden braking, which is a leading cause of skids on icy pavement. If a skid does start, ease off the gas and steer gently in the direction you want the front of the car to go, rather than slamming on the brakes. Finally, always clear snow completely off the roof, hood, and windows before driving. A chunk of snow flying off a moving vehicle can obstruct the view of the driver behind you, and in several provinces it can also result in a ticket.

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