Winter Conditions Arrive On Ontario Roads

The weather in November was too good to be true. Many drivers in Ontario woke up on Saturday morning to find some signs of winter, that white stuff called snow. For many drivers who have been caught off guard, there will be a rush to get those winter tires on, top up the fluids and try to remember what to do when driving in the winter. For other drivers who have already prepared for the eventuality of winter, driving in the winter should be no different than driving every other day.

Young Drivers of Canada would like to remind Canadians that winter is upon us which means that we have to adapt our driving to the road conditions. As a reminder to every driver, Young Drivers of Canada has ten winter driving tips that will keep all drivers safe.

10 Winter Driving Tips for All Canadian Drivers

Young Drivers of Canada would like to suggest the following winter driving tips that will keep all Canadians safe on the winter roads.

1. Always check the road conditions before you begin your journey. Conditions on roads may change drastically from where you begin your commute to where you are heading. Provide yourself with extra time. Being stressed to get somewhere in wintery conditions will only make matters worse. Driver errors can occur when you are under time constraints.

2. Plan your route. Let those expecting you know when you plan to leave and what route you will take. Turn off your cell phone to avoid any distractions and advise friends and loved ones that you will not be answering the phone while you are driving.

3. Space is a driver’s friend. Space allows drivers to react to sudden changes in conditions or other driver behaviours. Space allows a driver to react to sudden changes in road conditions or sudden braking by other vehicles.

4. Install winter tires. Ensure that all four tires are winter tires. Winter tires are made of a special rubber which grips the road in cold temperatures. Winter tires are an investment in safety. In provinces such as Quebec, winter tires are mandatory and statistics have shown that collisions have been reduced as a result of winter tire use.

5. Do not use cruise control while driving on snowy or icy roads. Cruise control will limit a driver’s control of their vehicle in the event of a slide. Cruise control may cause a vehicle to accelerate which in turn could cause a vehicle to lose control.

6. Equip your vehicle with a winter car survival kit. The kit should include a variety of items that will help keep you safe in the event of an emergency situation. The kit should include non-perishable foods such as granola bars, energy bars, a blanket, flares and a flashlight. The kit should also include jumper cables and a small shovel. Drivers should also be dressed for the conditions. Gloves, hats and proper footwear including a winter coat are all essentials that drivers require when heading out on the roads.

7. Carry a fully charged cell phone. Do not use your cellphone but in the event of an emergency ensure you have access to a communication device that will allow you to call for help. If tempted, turn off your phone and place it in the glove box for safe keeping.

8. If you get stranded or stuck, don’t panic. Drivers should stay with their vehicle to keep safe and warm. Do not wander out onto the road looking for help. The safest place is in your vehicle.

9. Run your vehicle’s motor sparingly to keep warm. Ensure that the exhaust pipe is clear of any obstructions, including snow. Drivers are also encouraged to keep the window open slightly to allow for fresh air flow.

10. Be courteous to other drivers. Remember that everyone is trying to battle the elements and get to their destination safely.

Young Drivers of Canada would like every driver to practice these tips to ensure that all drivers are safe this winter season. Young Drivers also provides drivers of all experience with winter driving courses. To book a winter driving course, visit www.ydwinterdriving.com