Safe Winter Driving • Back to Main Page In many parts of Canada, winter driving can be challenging due to various weather conditions such as ice, snow, slush, high winds, freezing rain, and extremely cold temperatures! Knowing how to handle some of these conditions can help to reduce your risk of injury and death. Follow these tips for safe winter driving! 1. Have a licensed mechanic inspect the following items on your vehicle before the winter season begins: Battery Wipers  Ignition system Thermostat Lights Flashing hazard lights Exhaust system Heater Brakes Defroster Oil level (If necessary, replace existing oil with a winter grade oil.)  2. Have good quality winter tires installed. If you are re-using your winter tires from a previous season, make sure that the treads are still good. 3. Keep an ice scraper and a brush for snow removal in you car at all times during the winter season. 4. Always keep you gas tank filled halfway. If you get lost or stranded you will be glad to have some extra gas. 5. Plan long trips carefully. Look at a map before you leave to help prevent you from getting lost or stranded. Check the weather report before you leave. If the conditions are going to get bad, you may want to postpone your trip.  6. Dress in warm layers so that you can add or remove clothing if necessary. To the top 7. Keep a winter kit in your vehicle at all times that contains the following items: Flashlight with extra batteries First aid kit Pocket knife Warm blankets Sleeping bags Extra newspapers for insulation Matches Flares Extra mittens, socks, and hats Extra clothes Small sack of sand for generating traction under wheels Small shovel Small tools such as pliers, wrench, and screwdriver Booster cables Cards, games and puzzles Canned fruit and nuts Non electrical can opener High energy snacks such as energy bars Bottled water Trouble sign that reads "Help Needed" Contrary to popular opinion, alcohol is not recommended for use to help keep warm. It can actually increase your risk of obtaining hypothermia. It can also impair your judgment, which you need in order to survive in emergencies. Keep a level head in emergency situations and remember, never drink and drive! To the top 8. Carry a charged cell phone in case you need to make an emergency phone call. This would be useful if you have cell phone service in your area. 9. When driving in poor conditions, remember to keep a safe distance between you and the driver in front of you. When the roads are slippery it can be very difficult to stop, so give yourself more room than you think you would need. 10. On cloudy winter days, or in windy conditions with blowing snow, visibility can be very poor. Turn on your lights to make it easier for other drivers to see you and to help you see the roads better. 11. Consider taking an advanced driving course to learn emergency driving skills. This will help you to have more control over you vehicle in poor weather conditions. Having more control can help you reduce the risk of car crashes, injuries, and death. 12. If you become stranded in a blizzard, do not panic! Stay in the car.  Display a trouble sign Occasionally run the engine to keep warm and turn on the heater Beware of carbon monoxide poisoning! Keep the exhaust pipe clear and open a downwind window slightly for ventilation Do minor exercises such as rubbing your hands together, rotating wrists, shoulders and ankles, and moving your arms and legs to keep warm Huddle together for warmth Use blankets, newspapers, maps and care mats for extra insulation Avoid any activities that will cause you to get too tired. You need to conserve your energy! To the top