WATCH ABOVE: A new online survey has found winter tire use among motorists in Saskatchewan lags behind most Canadians.
REGINA – A new online survey has found winter tire use among motorists in Saskatchewan lags behind most Canadians.
“We believe the reason is a lack of understanding of the superior traction and driver control offered by dedicated winter tires,” said Carolyn Goard, communications manager at the Tire and Rubber Association of Canada, via an email.
The association, which represents several tire and rubber companies, funded the survey.
The national average for winter tire usage stands at 51 per cent; 39 per cent in Saskatchewan and Manitoba.
In Quebec after making winter tires mandatory in 2008, the number of accident victims dropped by 5 per cent by a year.
SGI isn’t considering recommending our government adopt similar legislation.
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“At this point we’re focusing more on just raising awareness and educating the public about winter driving, so winter tires but also just other winter driving safety tips as well,” said Kelley Brinkworth, media relations manager for SGI.
She added that winter tires shouldn’t give motorists a false sense of security, and that caution on the road is key.
“Just remember that posted speed limits are for ideal driving conditions,” said Brinkworth.
The crown doesn’t track the kind of tires used on a vehicle in collision claims, though it does recommend getting winter tires regardless.
“We know that it is a considerable investment for a lot of people. Sometimes the cost may be prohibitive,” said Brinkworth.
At Quality Tire Service in the city’s north east, business was brisk Monday morning.
“I think people realized, ‘Holy cow, it’s November, and I don’t have my winter tires on,’” said employee Aranda Bernhardt.
She said a “good” set of tires for most consumer costs about $700 with tax. For mot people, it’s not an easy expense to absorb, but the point of the tires is to prevent something potentially much worse.
“If you get in a collision, you’re more than likely paying a $700 deductible. There’s the price of your tires right there,” she said.
There were 1,002 motorists surveyed though Leger’s LegerWeb panel between April 7-11 of this year. The results yielded a margin of error of plus or minus 3.1 percentage points, 19 times out of 20.
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