With winter comes the excitement of moving through the snow on toboggans, skis, snowboards, skates, and snowmobiles. One of the most common modes of transportation in the winter, though, is one that many people dread: everyday winter driving.
Winter driving impacts all Canadians. Even for those who manage to avoid driving themselves, winter roads conditions can cause delays for delivery drivers, postal workers, ride-sharers, and more. When everyone does what they can to mitigate the risks of winter driving, both individual drivers and their communities can benefit.
Winterize your ride [1]
This tips can help make sure your vehicle is road-ready (even when you’d rather be curled up in bed!)
| ACTION | IMPACT |
| Battery fully charged | Better starts in cold weather |
| Headlights, signal lights, and rear lights in good working condition | Better visibility for yourself and other drivers |
| Brakes in good working condition | Reduced stopping time, less pulling |
| Oil level topped up | Breakdown prevention |
| Fuel tank full or vehicle fully charged | Breakdown prevention |
| No leaks in exhaust system | Less carbon monoxide entering vehicle |
| Wiper blades work; windshield antifreeze compartment full | Better visibility |
| Tire pressure at proper psi | Fuel conservation, improved traction, less wear and tear on tires |
| Keep a bottle/can of de-icing solution handy | No more frozen door locks |
| Emergency kit packed | Safety, preparedness, and peace of mind |
Before the trip [2]
A little prep work can go a long way!
| ACTION | IMPACT |
| Cover side view mirrors with bags | Less fog and ice crystals to scrape off |
| Cover wiper blades with socks and stand the wiper blades up | Prevents blades from sticking to windshield |
| Use toothpaste to clean dirty headlights | Better road visibility |
| Park facing east | Use the sun’s rays to defrost the front windshield |
| Use hand sanitizer for de-icing | Acts as a substitute for a de-icing solution |
| Kitty litter – sprinkled around your tires | Extra traction on ice or in a deep snowbank |
| Kitty litter – inside the vehicle in a sock | Absorbs moist air for reduced windshield fogging |
| Warm up your vehicle outside of your garage | Avoids the safety risk of carbon monoxide in a confined space |
| Relay your travel route and planned arrival time to family and/or friends | Ensures someone knows to check in with you in the case of an emergency |
While on the road [3]
Winter driving requires extra caution. Keep these things in mind to keep yourself and others safe:
- Take things slow
- Stay focused on the road – avoid distractions like loud music, eating/drinking, or looking at your phone
- Be alert – if you feel fatigued, find a safe place to pull over and rest
- Leave lots of space between yourself and other vehicles – poor visibility and slippery roads increase stopping distance
- In cases of extreme weather, avoid driving altogether
- AMA resource for further reading: Winter Tips from a Driving Instructor | AMA
Winter driving emergency situations [4]:
While the above tips are designed to make winter driving safer, there are always going to be risks. Even the most conscientious drivers can find themselves in an emergency situation. It’s important to understand the unique dangers that come with managing an emergency in winter weather conditions.
If your vehicle breaks down, veers off the road, or is involved in a collision, there are additional risks to consider – on top of the standard safety protocols – when such an event happens in winter. Each situation is different, but here are some general tips for navigating a roadside emergency in the cold:
- So long as your vehicle is not at risk of being struck by other motorists, remain sheltered inside
- Ensure the tailpipe is clear of snow/ice to prevent carbon monoxide from seeping into the cab of the vehicle
- Run the vehicle as little as possible
- Keep warm by using hand/feet warmers, moving your body, and bundling up in winter wear such as a hat and coat.
- Turn off headlights to conserve battery power, but set out reflective safety triangles or flares around your vehicle so you are visible to other motorists
- Roll down one of the windows a small amount to keep fresh air circulating through the cab and to help you stay awake
Works Cited:
[1] Preparing your vehicle for winter
[2] Einfache Auto-Hacks, die jeder Autobesitzer kennen sollte | Cleverst
Further Reading: