Winter driving presents challenges for BC drivers including slippery roads, limited visibility, and subzero temperatures. Here are some tips to keep you and your family safe this holiday season.

  1. Scrape snow and ice off your vehicle before driving. Frosty windows and snow falling from your roof will limit your visibility. Always remember to clear headlights and taillights before driving.
  2. Install winter tires on your vehicle. Even careful drivers are likely to lose control. According to The Weather Network, all-season tires start to harden and become less effective at 7°C while winter tires only begin to harden around -30°C.
  3. Keep an emergency kit in your vehicle in case you become stranded on the road. Your emergency car kit should contain a first aid kit and food that won’t spoil such as energy bars, bottled water, blankets and clothing. Read our previous post for a complete list of items to include in your emergency car kit.
  4. Slow down while driving. Almost all winter vehicle accidents could be avoided if speed wasn’t a factor. Drive cautiously at a speed to match the conditions.
  5. Be ready to correct for a slide on slippery roads. If the rear end of your car slides during a turn, gently let off on the accelerator and turn your steering wheel in the direction of the slide.

Watch this video to see a side-by-side comparison of the advantages of winter versus summer tires.  Winter tires are also much better than summer tires in the rain at temperatures below 7 degrees.  Keep watching a further comparison at 2 minutes 42 seconds.  They recommend using winter tires in a wet climate for 6 months of the year.

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Nicole Kelly
Nicole Kelly
Nicole joined Slater Vecchio in May 2010. She has been involved with personal injury files arising out of motor vehicle accidents, sports and recreation and occupier's liability.