With the icy Canadian winter just a few weeks away,
RSA Canada is taking a stand in urging drivers to exercise increased levels of caution when on the road. RSA’s timely warning comes in the wake of the latest Canadian Farmers’ Almanac weather research, which found that much of Canada is in for a particularly cold winter.
“Exceptionally cold–if not downright frigid–winter weather will predominate over parts of the Rockies, Prairies, Great Lakes, Ontario, Quebec, and the Maritime Provinces,” the Farmers’ Almanac said. “Newfoundland and Labrador are expected to be cold and flaky.”
Extremely cold temperatures, intense snow storms and blizzard conditions have been forecast for the months ahead. RSA Canada spokesperson, Brodie Bott, is urging drivers to get prepared now. “The best defence against this kind of weather is to have a strong offence and plan ahead so you can mitigate any potential danger to you and your loved ones,” Bott says.
“Whether you’re planning to travel this holiday season or just commuting to and from work, drivers will need to take extra precaution when on the road, and give themselves additional time to get to their destination. Bad weather doesn’t cause accidents, but bad driving habits do.”
Top winter driving tips from Brodie Bott at RSA Canada:
- Use extreme caution when driving – it’s not how long it takes, but that you arrive safely.
- Allow yourself at least three times the normal stopping distance.
- Have the car battery and charging system checked for optimum performance. Cold weather is hard on batteries.
- Be proactive and have your winter tires put on before the first snowfall. Winter tires are important for safe driving.
- Make sure to inform friends and family of your driving route. In case you’re running late, people will know where you are.
- Have your cellphone with you at all times and make sure that you have a charger or an extra battery on hand. Don’t use your phone while driving.
- During winter, check your tire pressure weekly.
- If the police or a civil authority has closed a road or a highway, it is for your own safety. Do not attempt to drive on it.
And, don’t forget to have an emergency travel kit in your vehicle at all times. The kit should include:
- Blanket and extra clothing – includes hats, gloves and boots
- Flashlight and batteries, extra fully-charged cell phone or battery
- First aid kit
- Map
- Ice scraper and/or snow brush
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