Driving in Ontario during winter presents unique challenges that test even the most experienced drivers. From heavy snowfall and icy patches to reduced visibility, the key to navigating winter safely lies in preparation and adapting your driving habits to the conditions on the road.

Equip Your Vehicle: Use Winter Tires

A safe winter drive begins with your vehicle's equipment. While all-season tires provide moderate traction in various conditions, they are less effective when the temperature drops below 7°C. The rubber compounds in all-season and summer tires stiffen in cold weather, compromising grip.

Winter tires are specifically designed with specialized rubber compounds that remain flexible in sub-zero temperatures, providing significantly better traction on snow and ice. The unique tread patterns also bite down into snow and slush while channeling water to prevent hydroplaning. Investing in a good set of winter tires with the severe snow use emblem (a snowflake within a mountain) is one of the most effective ways to enhance winter driving safety.

Clear All Snow and Ice

Before you even put your vehicle in drive, it is crucial to properly clear it of snow and ice. This isn't just about your visibility; it's about the safety of others.

  • Clear all windows: Ensure every window, as well as side mirrors, are completely free of frost, ice, and snow. A small "peephole" on the windshield is unacceptable and illegal.
  • Clear the roof and hood: Snow left on the roof can harden into an ice block and later fly off, shattering the windshield of a vehicle behind you. Snow left on the hood can blow back onto your windshield and obscure your vision while driving.
  • Check headlights and taillights: Ensure your lights are clear of snow to maximize your visibility to other drivers.

Always carry a snow brush and an ice scraper in your vehicle during the winter months. An emergency kit with warm clothing, a blanket, jumper cables, and a first aid kit is also highly recommended.

Adapt Your Driving: Slow Down and Increase Distance

The cardinal rule of winter driving is to slow down. The posted speed limits are intended for ideal, dry conditions. When roads are covered in snow or ice, you must reduce your speed significantly to maintain control.

It takes a vehicle much longer to stop on a slippery surface. Increase your following distance behind the vehicle in front of you. While a two-to-three-second following distance is generally recommended for dry roads, you should at least double that time (five to six seconds) in winter conditions.

Use Smooth Controls to Avoid Skidding

The key to maintaining traction on snow and ice is to avoid sudden movements. Any abrupt action can break a tire's grip on the road surface.

  • Accelerate smoothly: Press the gas pedal gently to avoid spinning your tires.
  • Brake gently: If you need to slow down, apply the brakes gently and early. If your vehicle has an Anti-lock Braking System (ABS), apply steady, firm pressure and do not pump the brakes—you may feel a pulsing sensation, but this is the system working correctly.
  • Steer smoothly: Make turns slowly and smoothly without jerking the steering wheel.

By preparing your vehicle, adjusting your speed, and driving with a smooth, deliberate approach, you can navigate winter conditions safely and instill the confidence of a well-prepared driver.