As we’ll know, driving in Canada during the winter is no small fit because of the danger the ice poses to road users.
So, If you are going to be behind the wheels in Canada this coming winter, follow these valuable tips for driving in Canada in winter to avoid accidents.
Winter is hitting much of Canada with full force, especially the provinces of Quebec and Ontario, and cities like Toronto where there have been more than 600 accidents on the roads, and highways that cross the GTA, Much of it is due to drivers who have not taken the necessary precautions to drive under the extreme weather conditions that are being recorded.
The aforementioned arctic temperatures often make the tracks slippery and driving conditions are less than optimal.
Learn: How to Get a Canadian Drivers License
So being behind the wheel entails that you be adequately prepared and take all necessary precautionary measures so that you arrive safely at your destination.
Vital tips when driving in Canada during the winter:
Reduce speed
Always remember that those posted speed limits seen by the roadside are for ideal summer season climates.
If there is a season that does not allow high speeds on roads, highways and much less on the streets within the city, it is winter, because a driver, no matter how agile, cannot brake a vehicle in dry and does not slow down fast enough to avoid crashing into another vehicle or hitting a pedestrian, especially if there is black ice on the road.
When it rains, wet snowfalls and temperatures drop, slow down, because at any moment you will find a totally slippery road.
Keep longer distances
When the tracks are slippery, the distance you must keep between your car and the car in front should be up to three times what you would keep under normal circumstances, as black ice is almost impossible to detect until it is too late, and in these cases, a driver can only avoid falling into multiple accidents.
If he keeps a longer distance, because the vehicle will not be able to stop if it brakes, it will slide, and will only stop a few meters ahead, if it does not find another vehicle in its path.
Prepare your vehicle for winter
Whenever possible, use winter tires and check antifreeze, brakes, and windshield wipers before travelling.
Even within the city, but much more if you have to make long trips, it is very important that drivers have a winter kit in their vehicle, which should include thermal blankets, a first aid kit, matches, flares, booster cables, a brush of snow and water.
Some include chocolate bars, which in case you get caught in the snow, can give you the calories you require while relief agencies arrive.
It is important to keep the cell phone charged and the phone numbers of the agencies that can assist you quickly on the road you travel.
Read: How to Buy Your First Car in Canada
Thoroughly clean snow from your vehicle
Many accidents occur because the driver cannot see the road very well and because of the falling of the line on the highways of vehicles in front, so before leaving the house and taking the road, be sure to clean all the windows, mirrors, lights and even the roof, where snow and ice accumulate. Wait for the fog windows to clear so you can properly see through all sides of the vehicle.
Learn to brake in an emergency
Let your vehicle’s antilock braking system (ABS) do its job. ABS will allow you to steer your vehicle even while the brakes are fully applied.
For older cars without ABS brakes, it is best to pump the brakes instead of letting your car skate, which gives you better direction control.
If you have a choice, choose a car equipped with ABS, VSC (vehicle stability control), and traction control – these new technologies make winter driving much safer.
Traction on the four wheels
How your vehicle responds to skidding depends on whether it has four-wheel drive, although that does not guarantee that it will not skid. Wheel drive is very important, but don’t be overconfident.
You have to light up all the time, you have to be visible
The lights should be on even during the day, so make sure they are in good condition. Keep in mind that during a heavy snowfall, use the high beams, they prevent you from seeing better, if you do not have fog lights, use the ones you have but low.
Tires, battery, and brakes in good condition, key this season
Many believe that they are not necessary, and only use them when they have a mishap, but it is better to make sure that the vehicle has good winter tires. Brakes and battery.
Furthermore, try not to drive on the tracks left by other vehicles – fresh snow gives better traction.
If your car starts to skid, take your foot off the brake and move the wheel in the direction you want to go. Once the wheels have taken hold, brake slowly.
Drive safe!
