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A snow-covered car drives on a snow-covered road.

Just the Facts – Winter driving

Winter conditions can be less than perfect. Be prepared and use caution when snow covers the roads. Credit: Shutterstock

Winter driving can be a white-knuckle ride. Snow, ice and long, dark nights all pose challenges to those behind the wheel. Whether you operate a car, truck or snowmobile, winter driving requires special attention.

Collisions in Canada

  • In 2017, nearly 30 per cent of collisions reported to the National Collision Database happened on wet, snowy or icy roads. One third happened in January, February, November and December
  • December had the second highest number of total collisions in 2017 with 26,824 incidents. Of those, more than 14,000 resulted in at least one injury
  • Single-vehicle collisions were most common in early winter with November, December and October ranking in the top three in 2017
  • Canadian insurance providers report a 49 per cent increase in collision-related claims in December and January
  • Whether behind the wheel or steering a snowmobile, sober driving is just as important in winter when conditions can change at a moment's notice
  • Police amp up impaired driving patrols in the holiday season when drivers are heading to and from social events

Winter roads

  • Winter tires improve traction and shorten stopping distance. The performance of all-season tires suffers when temperatures dip below 7 C as their rubber loses elasticity, according to the Canadian Automobile Association
  • Snow and ice are more slippery at 0 C than at -20 C or below, according to Transport Canada
  • Transport Canada reports that black ice can be present on roads with temperatures between 4 C and -4 C. The slick, transparent ice can be found on roads, bridges and overpasses even long after sunrise
  • Ice can form on bridges and overpasses before roads as the cold air underneath causes surface moisture to freeze
  • Canada spends more than $1 billion annually clearing snow from streets, sidewalks, driveways and parking lots

Snowmobiles

  • During the 2017-2018 winter, more than 965 people were hospitalized with snowmobiling injuries, according to the Canadian Institute for Health Information
  • While 77 per cent of people hospitalized with snowmobile injuries were adult men, 75 children and teenagers found themselves in the hospital as a result of snowmobiling
  • The Red Cross recommends snowmobiling on no less than 25 centimetres of ice and avoiding grey ice or recently thawed and refrozen ice which can be unstable
  • Wearing a lifejacket or survival suit can save a snowmobiler if they encounter an ice hole or thin ice, according to the Red Cross

Safety tips

  • Carry a winter safety kit with a flash light, emergency food and water, candles, blankets, booster cables, tow straps, a shovel and sand for traction. It can help get a stuck car moving and keep you safe during an emergency situation
  • Check highway conditions online or by calling 511 before leaving. If road conditions are poor, reconsider your plans
  • If trapped in a snowbank, ensure the vehicle's exhaust pipe is clear of snow and debris to prevent harmful fumes from entering the vehicle
  • Avoid passing a working snow plow as it can be dangerous for both vehicles. It's best to stay back at least 10 car lengths and be patient
  • 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

Video: Winter driving facts and tips

    Video: Winter driving facts and tips - Transcript

    [Music]

    [Title] Winter driving facts and tips

    In 2017, nearly 30 per cent of collisions in Canada happened on wet, snowy or icy roads.

    One third of collisions occurred between November and February.

    Road conditions

    Snow and ice are more slippery at 0 C than at -20 C or below.

    The slick, transparent ice also forms on bridges and overpasses.

    Accident prevention

    Install winter tires.

    Clear all snow and ice from a vehicle.

    Check highway conditions online or by calling 511.

    Avoid passing a working snow plow as it can be dangerous for both vehicles.

    Safety kit

    Carry a winter safety kit with the following:

    • a flash light
    • emergency food, water and blankets
    • booster cables
    • tow straps
    • a shovel and sand for traction

    Be prepared. Stay safe.

    (Text on screen) Royal Canadian Mounted Police signature and copyright information

    (Visual identifier for the Government of Canada) Canada Wordmark

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