How to survive the roads if we get a blast of winter

VANCOUVER (NEWS 1130) – Metro Vancouver could be in for a dusting of snow as early as next week. Despite that, many Canadians won’t change their driving habits, according to the Canada Safety Council.

“The problem with winter is that it’s so engrained in Canadiana and Canadian culture that people who are out on the roads don’t necessarily think of the importance of changing their driving habits,” says the council’s Lewis Smith.
With ice, slush and snow possibly in play, there’s much less margin for error when it comes to sudden breaking.

Smith says adapting those driving habits is the key to staying safe.

“People are not really leaving themselves enough space around their vehicles. They’re still taking turns too fast, they’re braking suddenly, and you see a lot more incidents occur when a person is just not able to get their vehicle stopped in time.”

He says be sure to take care to steer gently, avoid cruise control, and steer in the direction you want to go in the event of a skid.

Give yourself enough room to manoeuvre, even if that means waiting for another driver to pass.

Winter tire use is up by 11 per cent this year in BC according to the Tire and Rubber Association of Canada.

Installing them gives you better grip in the cold weather, even if there isn’t any snow on the ground.

Other tips include taking an extra look when approaching alleys and parking lots, checking your car’s battery, defrosters and windshield fluid and giving yourself extra time to get where you’re going.

“With winter driving, the most important thing that we could possibly convey is that patience is paramount,” says Smith. “Everyone will get where they want to go if they take the time to be patient and be courteous of other drivers.”