“Canadian winters can be dangerous for drivers if they’re not prepared for rapidly changing road conditions,” said Ralph Palumbo, Vice-President, Ontario, IBC. “Taking the time to prepare for winter driving conditions and making safe decisions could save lives.”
IBC’s top-10 tips for safe winter driving include:
- Drive according to the road conditions.
- Heed the warnings from Environment Canada’s local weather offices.
- Tune up your car.
- Check your vehicle’s battery, belts, hoses, radiator, coolant/antifreeze, oil, lights, brakes, exhaust system, heater/defroster, ignition system and tires.
- Check the wipers regularly and carry an extra jug of windshield-washer fluid in your vehicle.
- Inspect the tires and check the tire pressure at least once a month in cold weather.
- Install four winter tires.
- Winter tires allow you to stop up to 40% sooner than all-season tires and significantly improve your vehicle’s handling in winter weather.
- Keep the gas tank topped up.
- Always carry an emergency kit.
- Include extra antifreeze, a flashlight, batteries, blankets, a candle, matches, hazard markers, a snow shovel, an ice scraper and brush, the phone number of a local towing company, sand, booster cables and food.
- Tell someone where you are going and when you expect to arrive.
- Bring a map or GPS and plan an alternative route.
- Carry a charged cell phone.
For more information on safe winter driving, visit www.ibc.ca.
If you require more information, IBC spokespeople are available to discuss the details in this media release.
To schedule an interview, please contact:
Celyeste Power
Manager, Media Relations
416-362-2031 ext. 4312 (office)
647-384-9872 (after hours)
cpower@ibc.ca