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Top tips for smart winter driving
- By ILS corp
- Published 12/3/2009
- ILSTV Stories
- Unrated
With wintery conditions already seen in some parts of the country, and snow inevitable in others, it’s time once again for Canadians to prepare themselves for winter driving.
The Insurance Corporation of British Columbia has created a list of tips for safe winter driving.
For your car:
- Get ready: Prepare your vehicle for winter. Invest in good wipers, top up fluids to avoid freezing, and frequently check your tire pressure - tires deflate in cold weather. If you are going on a long drive, pack a safety kit in your vehicle, including a first aid kit, shovel, blanket, water, energy bars, candle and matches.
- Get rolling: Make sure your tires are suitable for the road conditions you're driving in. In parts of the country that experience substantial snowfall, install a full set of official winter tires (look for snow tires with a pictograph of a snowflake inside a peaked mountain). It's always a good idea to get your tires looked at by an expert, but to quickly check their condition, put a toonie between the tread on your tire. If the tread doesn't reach the gold centre of the toonie, it's time to think about getting new tires.
For your route:
- Make a plan: Because road conditions can vary, it's always a smart idea to let a family member or friend know the route you'll be driving so they can know where you are in the event of a delay or if your vehicle is stranded. Delays are much more common during the winter months, so always give yourself extra time in case of bad weather.
- Look out: As the rain, snow, sleet and fog set in, visibility on the roads gets much-reduced - especially given the darker morning and evening commutes. Be aware of your surroundings
For yourself:
- Don't rush: The number one driving tip at this time of year is to slow down and keep your distance. Reduce your speed, especially on wet roads, in bad weather conditions or near intersections. Consider driving below the posted speed limit and leave enough space between your car and the one in front of you - at least three seconds following distance. Slowing down also allows you to see more of the road ahead and what is happening at intersections.
- Think ahead: Bad weather brings new elements on to our roads, such as highway maintenance vehicles and equipment including plows, salt and sand trucks. Think ahead and use caution when approaching these vehicles and never pass on the right.
The Insurance Corporation of British Columbia has created a list of tips for safe winter driving.
For your car:
- Get ready: Prepare your vehicle for winter. Invest in good wipers, top up fluids to avoid freezing, and frequently check your tire pressure - tires deflate in cold weather. If you are going on a long drive, pack a safety kit in your vehicle, including a first aid kit, shovel, blanket, water, energy bars, candle and matches.
- Get rolling: Make sure your tires are suitable for the road conditions you're driving in. In parts of the country that experience substantial snowfall, install a full set of official winter tires (look for snow tires with a pictograph of a snowflake inside a peaked mountain). It's always a good idea to get your tires looked at by an expert, but to quickly check their condition, put a toonie between the tread on your tire. If the tread doesn't reach the gold centre of the toonie, it's time to think about getting new tires.
For your route:
- Make a plan: Because road conditions can vary, it's always a smart idea to let a family member or friend know the route you'll be driving so they can know where you are in the event of a delay or if your vehicle is stranded. Delays are much more common during the winter months, so always give yourself extra time in case of bad weather.
- Look out: As the rain, snow, sleet and fog set in, visibility on the roads gets much-reduced - especially given the darker morning and evening commutes. Be aware of your surroundings
For yourself:
- Don't rush: The number one driving tip at this time of year is to slow down and keep your distance. Reduce your speed, especially on wet roads, in bad weather conditions or near intersections. Consider driving below the posted speed limit and leave enough space between your car and the one in front of you - at least three seconds following distance. Slowing down also allows you to see more of the road ahead and what is happening at intersections.
- Think ahead: Bad weather brings new elements on to our roads, such as highway maintenance vehicles and equipment including plows, salt and sand trucks. Think ahead and use caution when approaching these vehicles and never pass on the right.