Just the Facts – Winter Driving

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.
• Wearing a lifejacket or survival suit can save a snowmobiler if they encounter an ice hole or thin ice.

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.

Credit: RCMP