Winter driving presents challenges for BC drivers including slippery roads, limited visibility, and subzero temperatures. Here are some tips to keep you and your family safe this holiday season.
- Scrape snow and ice off your vehicle before driving. Frosty windows and snow falling from your roof will limit your visibility. Always remember to clear headlights and taillights before driving.
- Install winter tires on your vehicle. Even careful drivers are likely to lose control. According to The Weather Network, all-season tires start to harden and become less effective at 7°C while winter tires only begin to harden around -30°C.
- Keep an emergency kit in your vehicle in case you become stranded on the road. Your emergency car kit should contain a first aid kit and food that won’t spoil such as energy bars, bottled water, blankets and clothing. Read our previous post for a complete list of items to include in your emergency car kit.
- Slow down while driving. Almost all winter vehicle accidents could be avoided if speed wasn’t a factor. Drive cautiously at a speed to match the conditions.
- Be ready to correct for a slide on slippery roads. If the rear end of your car slides during a turn, gently let off on the accelerator and turn your steering wheel in the direction of the slide.
Watch this video to see a side-by-side comparison of the advantages of winter versus summer tires. Winter tires are also much better than summer tires in the rain at temperatures below 7 degrees. Keep watching a further comparison at 2 minutes 42 seconds. They recommend using winter tires in a wet climate for 6 months of the year.
For more information
- Your Emergency Car Kit, Slater Vecchio LLP
