Winter Driving Safety Tips

November 27, 2014

Share:

The number of accidents that occur between October and December in Canada can double—or even triple—due to severe weather conditions.  Driving in the winter requires more caution due to slippery road conditions and poor visibility during snow fall. Here are some winter driving safety tips for safe driving in winter weather conditions:

• Make sure you slow down. Posted speed limits designate the fastest speed at which you can safely travel in the best of road conditions. When roads are not at their best, you need to reduce your speed and increase the distance between you and the vehicle ahead of you – this gives you an additional cushion of space for safe stopping. Poor visibility on the road due to snow falling or blowing is great reason to watch your speed. Also use special caution when approaching pedestrian crosswalks and stop early for pedestrians.

• Practice driving in slippery conditions (in an empty parking lot!) so you are well-prepared and comfortable when winter comes.

• Anticipate stops by slowing down gradually and well ahead of intersections in order to allow for enough time to stop safely.

• Be aware of unexpected ice patches or piles of wet leaves that might induce skidding. Wet ice, warmed by the sun, is twice as dangerous as completely frozen ice. Be especially alert whenever there is any kind of precipitation during cold weather.

• Plan ahead for lane changes; check your rear-view mirror and blind spots, and use your signal. Make the move with the smallest possible steering change and with a light foot on the gas.


Winter Emergency Kit for Your Vehicle

Your vehicle should also be equipped with a winter emergency kit that includes the following:

  • Food that won’t spoil, such as energy bars or other non-perishables
  • Water—plastic bottles that won’t break if the water freezes (1 gallon of water per person, per day for 3 days. Make sure to replace them every six months.)
  • Blankets
  • Extra clothing and shoes or boots
  • First aid kit with seat belt cutter
  • Small shovel, scraper and snow brush
  • Candle in a deep can and matches
  • Wind‑up flashlight
  • Booster Cables
  • Warning devices like flares or emergency lights
  • Whistle or blow horn—in case you need to attract attention
  • Road maps
  • Copy of your emergency plan

Get Winter Tires for Your Vehicle to Improve Your Winter Driving

If you live in an area that requires you to drive in snow and ice, then using winter tires is a really good decision. Winter tires provide your vehicle with more traction and handles freezing temperatures better than all-season or summer tires. Many car insurance companies offer discounts for buying winter tires, which can reduce your car insurance premiums and provide some added safety to you on the road.  To learn more about winter tires click here to visit the following link.

Check out this video for additional tips on staying safe this winter!

Make sure you exercise extreme caution when you’re driving in the following conditions this winter,

  • Blizzards: The most dangerous of winter storms, combining falling, blowing and drifting snow, winds of at least 40 km/h, visibility less than one kilometre and temperatures below -10°C. They can last from a few hours to several days.
  • Heavy snowfall: Refers to snowfalls of at least 10 centimetres in 12 hours, or at least 15 centimetres in 24 hours; accumulation may be lower in temperate climates.
  • Freezing rain or drizzle: This can lead to ice storms, with ice covering roads, trees, power lines, etc.
  • Cold snap: Refers to temperatures that fall rapidly over a very short period of time, causing very icy conditions.
  • Winds: They create the conditions associated with blizzards, and cause blowing and drifting snow, reducing visibility and causing wind chill.
  • Black ice: Refers to a thin layer of ice on the road that can be difficult to see or can make the road look black and shiny. The road freezes more quickly in shaded areas, on bridges and on overpasses when it is cold. These areas remain frozen long after the sun has risen.
  • Slush: Wet snow can make for slushy roads. Heavy slush can build up in the wheel wells of your vehicle and can affect your ability to steer. Large trucks and buses can blow slush and snow onto your windshield, leading to a sudden loss of visibility.
This winter, make sure you check the weather forecast and road conditions, as well as potential road closures, before you head out on the highway. If the weather reports are calling for snow, be prepared for your trip to take longer. Consider staying home instead if severe weather is in the forecast. Also be sure someone knows where you are headed and when you should be expected to arrive. This winter, Excalibur Insurance Group hopes everyone drives safe. If you would like to learn more about how winter tires can save you money on your auto insurance,  give us a call at 1-888-298-7343 or visit our online rate reducer by clicking here.
Jeff Roy