RSA Canada’s 9 Things You Should Do For Safer Winter Driving

With winter just a few weeks away, RSA Canada, a leading general home and auto insurer, is urging drivers to exercise more caution on the road than normal.

The warning comes as Canadians prepare for an extreme winter, according to the Canadian Farmers’ Almanac.

“Extremely cold temperatures, intense snow storms and blizzard conditions have been forecast for the months ahead, so now is the time to get prepared,” RSA Canada spokesperson Brodie Bott says.

“The best defense against this kind of weather is to have a strong offense and plan ahead so you can mitigate any potential danger to you and your loved ones. 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,” Bott says.

Check out RSA Canada’s top winter driving tips to help you and your family stay safe:

• 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.
• Have an emergency travel kit ready in your vehicle at all times. Kit contents 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; and
  • Ice scraper and/or snow brush.