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- Clear all snow and ice from a vehicle before hitting the road. Snow blowing off a vehicle's roof can be a hazard and distraction for other road users Four-wheel drive can help reduce the chances of getting stuck, but it won't help a vehicle stop any faster in slippery conditions
www.rcmp-grc.gc.ca/en/gazette/just-the-facts-winter-drivingJust the Facts – Winter driving - Royal Canadian Mounted Police
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- Preparation is Key. Have you considered preparing your car for winter? It’s crucial to ensure safety during challenging weather conditions, including freezing rain.
- Adjust Your Driving Habits. Slow Down: Reduce your speed to account for the road conditions. Remember, the posted speed limits are designed for ideal conditions, not for roads covered in ice.
- Handling Skids. Front-wheel Skid: If your front wheels lose traction, don’t panic. Ease off the gas and steer in the direction you want to go. Once the wheels regain traction, you can then turn the wheels in the desired direction.
- Braking on Icy Roads. With ABS (Anti-lock Braking System): If your vehicle has ABS, do not pump the brakes. Apply steady pressure, and you’ll feel the brakes pulse, which is normal.
- Stay composed and controlled when it's slippery. Never slam on the brakes when it's snowy or icy. If you need to stop quickly, pumping the brakes will help you stop faster without sliding.
- Clear your car of ice and snow. If you’re planning a drive and it’s windy, snowing, and freezing cold, make sure your car is cleared off to ensure the visibility from the driver's seat is clear.
- Keep a safe distance. A big hazard when driving in a snowstorm is other drivers who are either inexperienced on snowy roads or don’t have the appropriate tires installed.
- Be very cautious when driving in freezing rain. In some Canadian cities, driving in the rain with freezing temperatures is inevitable. Canada sees fluctuating temperatures which results in all types of road conditions developing.
Adjusting your driving habits in freezing rain helps you navigate these conditions more safely. Safe driving techniques to keep in mind include: Lower your speed: Driving more slowly can help improve traction and control— and can give you more time to react.
- On This Page
- Winter Driving Tips
- See and Be Seen
- Adapt Your Driving
- Use Winter Tires
- Safe Braking
- Skidding
- Be Prepared to Call For Help
- Snowmobile Safety
- Related Links
Be alert and well rested when getting behind the wheel and always wear your seat beltPoor visibility in winter can make driving challenging so it's important to be vigilant and alert when drivingMany winter holidays include parties that serve alcohol or cannabis products. If you consume any of these products, do not drive. Only drive if you're soberSometimes, heavy coats and jackets can feel bulky and too warm in a car, especially during long trips. If you or any of your passengers remove their jacket, remember that you still need to wear a s...Before you start driving, make sure to remove all the snow from your vehicle including on the hood, roof, windows, and lights. Clear all windows of frost and fog. This can help you see better on th...If driving becomes too risky, look for a safe place to stop until it's safe to drive again. Find a place to safely pull off the road as soon as you can. It's best to stop at a rest area or exit the...If visibility becomes really poor, turn on your headlights to make your vehicle easier to seeMatch your speed to the road and weather conditionsTo reduce any risk of accidents, avoid passing other vehicles when weather and road conditions are poor. When you drive on a snow-covered road, there may be more snow or slush between lanes, which...Transport Canada recommends using winter tires on all wheels for driving in cold, snowy or icy conditions. They provide better traction than all-season tires because they: 1. are made of softer rubber, and 2. have more appropriate tread design Learn more about using winter tires.
Proper braking is important to safe winter driving. Since it takes longer to stop on a slippery road, you should: 1. leave more distance than normal between your vehicle and the vehicle in front of you 2. pay close attention to the road – as far ahead as you can 3. make sure that you don't release the brake pedal when the vehicle is out of control....
Even careful and experienced drivers can skid, so be prepared. Skidding can be caused by panic braking when you're trying to avoid an obstacle on the road. To reduce skidding in bad weather, you should: 1. slow down. Allow extra travel time and be very careful when you brake, change lanes, make turns, and take curves 2. put more distance between yo...
Keep your phone fully charged and have a charging cable in your vehicle just in case. If you're in an emergency, call 911.
Safe snowmobiling requires you to be well-prepared for different conditions and situations, and know the rules that apply in your area. The rules for registering and operating your snowmobile vary across provinces, territories, and municipalities. For more information, visit your provincial or territorial transportation ministryand consult your mun...
Winter driving safety begins even before you leave the driveway. First, check the weather forecast. Depending on the weather, your drive may take longer. If using a GPS, don’t rely on the estimated arrival time. Add at least 15 minutes to your drive to allow for additional traffic due to weather.
Oct 1, 2019 · RIN-NIN-NIN-NIN! That's an all-too familiar sound for many drivers used to Canadian winters. And it's not just engines dying — winter car concerns range from frozen windows and getting...
Feb 14, 2023 · Whether it’s dealing with snowstorms, freezing rain, hail or icy road conditions, it can be unnerving driving during the winter. However, the Good Hands Advice team wanted to do its part with some winter driving tips to help you drive safely this winter. Tips for Preparing Your Car for Icy Conditions
