WATCH THE VIDEO ABOVE: Winter tires may help, but safe driving is mostly in the driver
Much of Canada’s roads are dusted/covered in snow and ice, mechanics are booked up weeks in advanced with people wanting to put winter tires on their cars – it’s official. Winter driving season is upon us.
Canadian winters can contribute to an increase in accidents on the roads and white-knuckle driving conditions. But there are things motorists can do to prevent problems before they happen.
First and foremost, slow down. And get winter tires.
READ MORE: Winter tires – Do you really need to buy the most expensive brand?
“One of the biggest misconceptions about winter and winter tires is that people think they don’t need winter tires,” said Carl Nadeau, an instructor at the Michelin Winter Driving Academy.
Winter tires are made of a softer rubber compound than all-season tires, so when the temperature drops below a certain temperature (typically seven degrees), they make better contact with the road, which means better traction.
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Many safety experts are strong advocates, touting the benefits for control and stopping distance.
“Four winter tires for winter driving. That’s all you really need to know,” said Brian Patterson, president and CEO of the Ontario Safety League.
Nadeau said that even with the best winter tires in the world drivers need to pay attention and adapt your speed to the driving conditions.
He said there are simple things that every driver should do when out on the cold and slippery roads, including looking as far ahead down the road as you can to see and anticipate potentially dangerous situations.
Winter driving tips:
- Slow down
- Look as far ahead down the road as you can
- Keep space around your vehicle at all times
- Don’t follow too closely. Increase your following distance to four seconds
- Always stay calm and be light on the controls
- Sit close enough to the steering wheel so that if in an emergency situation you can push hard on the brakes
- Always look where you want to go, especially when you think you’re losing control of your vehicle
- Avoid using overdrive and cruise control on slippery roads
Tips for prepare you for winter driving:
- Install four matching winter tires
- Pack an emergency kit, including an ice scraper and brush, shovel, booster cables, extra windshield washer fluid, a cloth or roll of paper towels, a blanket, extra clothing and footwear, food, a first aid kit, matches and a “survival” candle in a deep can, maps and a flashlight
- Remove all snow and ice from your vehicle, including the roof, windows, mirrors and lights
- Travel with a fully charged cellphone
- Plan your trip, check weather conditions ahead of time
- Give yourself extra travel time in bad weather
WATCH THE VIDEO BELOW: Winter driving safety tips
With files from Global News’ Erika Tucker
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