Most of us have taken a bit of a break from winter driving (thanks, COVID!), and it is easy to forget how treacherous it can be out there on the roads in bad weather.
Now that we are FINALLY able to travel during the winter to visit friends and family, it’s a great time to brush up on some winter driving best practices.
Here are our top 3 tips for a safe winter driving season:
1. Choose the right tires
“All-season tires” are not actually rated for driving in all seasons. Because of the composition of the rubber – harder, with less grip – “all-season” tires are really only rated for spring, summer and fall driving.
Made with softer rubber, and deeper treads, winter tires are a must for handling the harsh snow/sleet/ice conditions of our Canadian winters.
2. Take off the snow and ice
We’ve all seen it. You are barreling down the highway and suddenly a huge chunk of snow or ice comes flying off the car ahead of you. White-knuckles and a steady hand are required to navigate that mess, and the worst thing about this situation is that it is completely avoidable.
It is important to take the time to clean off your own hood properly, or you could end up with windshield full of snow, and completely impaired visibility. But wiping off your vehicle is a safety issue not just for you, but for other drivers on the road.
3. Make some space
No matter what the season, it is always important to leave enough room between you and the vehicle ahead of you. During the winter months, however, this is even more relevant.
It is critical that you are paying attention to the road conditions before you get behind the wheel, as this will significantly influence how quickly and safely you can slow down or stop.
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Oshawa Location
Phone: 905.576.7770 • Toll Free: 1.888.558.0883
Fax: 905.576.3610
insure@staging.roughleyinsurance.com
Bowmanville Location
Phone: 905.697.4257 • Toll Free: 1.888.558.0883
Fax: 289.316.3662
insurebowmanville@staging.roughleyinsurance.com