Equip Your Vehicle with Winter Tires

Winter tires are very important in safe driving in Canadian winter. This provides a much better traction when driving through snow and ice than the all-season tires would do. Properly inflated winter tires contribute to the best control and minimize the risk of skidding, thus being handled more safely on snowy or icy roads.

Slow Down

Speed limits are set for ideal conditions which are perfect for driving. Winter weather does not avail of these conditions. Icy roads and poor visibility call for a slower pace. Driving slowly gives you a wider reaction time against any sudden changes, like obstacles or slipping patches of the road, reducing the chances of accidents.

Keep a Safe Following Distance

Stopping distances are much longer in winter. Make sure to give greater distance between your car and the car in front. Extra space gives you time to stop without a crash if you need to do so on icy or slushy roads where sudden stops could cause you to lose control of your vehicle.

Before you start driving, make sure that your vehicle is free from snow and ice, especially the windshield, windows, mirrors, and even the roof. This will give you a better view of the road conditions, and will also eliminate the possible chance of snow falling off of your car, which could blur your vision or create a hazard to other motorists as well.

Sudden actions like: braking, steering, or acceleration, can cause your vehicle to slide on icy roadways. All actions should be smooth and gradual for better control on the road and to reduce the danger of losing traction.

For driving in Canadian winter, it’s a must to have an emergency kit in the car that should comprise a blanket for warmth, a flashlight, extra batteries, non-perishable food, and water. These will come in handy if you break down or become stranded and thus assure your safety until help arrives.

This could happen if you take your foot off the accelerator pedal quickly, apply the brakes hard, or change direction quickly on wet, icy, or snow-covered roads. To handle a skid on slippery roads, take your foot off the accelerator pedal. Do not make any sudden turns that might make you lose traction of the wheels. Do not slam on the brakes.

Sudden lane changes on snow-covered roads can result in loss of control if the lanes have not been evenly plowed. Always signal early and move smoothly, making sure your tires don’t lose their grip as you switch from one lane to another.

During heavy snow conditions, the high beams reflect off the snowflakes and reduce visibility. Instead, turn on your low beams, which give far better light to view the road without creating glare. Keep your headlights clear from snow, and align them properly.

Driving on snow means staying off icy hills: This makes it hard to get going again. If you have to stop on an icy hill, make sure that you leave room between you and the car in front of you. When driving forward accelerate carefully: Do not spin your tires or

It is necessary to check your car regularly in winter. Battery, brakes, and heating systems should be working properly. Windshield wiper fluid should have a rating for sub-zero temperatures, and wiper blades should be in great condition to handle snow and ice.

During heavy snow conditions, the high beams reflect off the snowflakes and reduce visibility. Instead, turn on your low beams, which give far better light to view the road without creating glare. Keep your headlights clear from snow, and align them properly.