No doubt, driving in the winter can come with its fair share of stress and difficulty. There are many different winter driving mistakes drivers make when hitting the road in the cold. With the first snowfall hitting Ontario recently, now is the best time to prepare for what Mother Nature offers us this season. When it comes to driving in the wintertime, keeping yourself, your passengers, and other people on the road safe is of utmost importance. If careless, moving in the winter can be extremely dangerous! People make many mistakes that, when avoided, can ensure you and your fellow drivers are safe and sound. Luckily, isure has everything you need to know about staying safe on the road this winter. Here are some of the most common winter driving mistakes.
1. Using All-Season Tires
One of the most common winter mistakes is also one of the most avoidable: failing to install winter tires. Many people assume that their all-season round tires will suffice; however, this is not always the case. Many Canadian provinces experience temperatures of -10 degrees Celsius in the winter. These icy temperatures are sometimes too cold for all-season tires, so winter tires are safer.
Winter tires are designed specifically for the cold, slippery season. They have a grippy tread that allows you to safely drive on the icy roads that Ontario provides during the colder months. It is also important to remember that in provinces like Quebec and British Columbia, not having winter tires on your car by December 1st can result in a hefty fine of up to $300. Though not mandatory in Ontario, winter tires will provide you with the safety and traction you need to commute without harm. Additionally, you’ll receive a winter tire discount on your insurance, so be sure not to make this winter driving mistake!
2. Warming Up Your Car
We get it, nobody likes to wake up in the cold mornings to defrost their car. However, doing so allows your driving experience to be much safer. When most people wake up, they only do the minimum of scraping snow off their front windshield. However, this is dangerous. To be extremely safe, it is essential to clear and defrost all of your windows. Remember, pouring hot water on your windshield to thaw it can cause a crack and is never recommended!
In addition to clearing your windows, it is also essential to clear your roof, as well. When driving on highways, snow can fly off and land on the car behind you, potentially causing an accident. Though it can be tedious, ensuring your vehicle is completely defrosted and clear of snow is a key step to commuting safely in the winter.
3. Dressing for the Weather
This one may seem surprising to some, but a crucial mistake in winter driving includes how you dress. Why? Because it can take a serious toll on your driving. Not being appropriately dressed is a significant winter driving mistake that should be avoided. Sure, your oversized puffer jacket may keep you toasty during the cold weather, but it is best to take it off when you enter the driver’s seat. Bulky jackets and big winter boots, as well as hats and gloves, can become a liability when you are behind the wheel.
This is because they can affect your performance and reaction time. Big, chunky snow boots can affect the responsiveness of your brake and gas pedals. Furthermore, your shoes can be wet and slippery from walking through the snow outside. To prevent this, it is a good idea to have a pair of sneakers set aside in your car specifically for driving. It is an extra step, but it can save your life in rough, winter weather. On top of this, could you make sure your car is properly heated up so that you can remove your jacket and drive safely? Though a bulky coat can make driving difficult, having cold hands can be just as disruptive, so have some gloves or mitts handy.
4. Not Being Visible
It is essential always to remember that if you can’t see other vehicles, there is a good chance they can’t see you, either. This is a dangerous situation to be in while driving. In instances like this, it is essential to turn on your headlights and taillights to make sure the drivers around you see you. This is crucial, even in the gloomy daytime!
Another good pointer to remember is always to use your turn signal when changing lanes or making a turn. If you need to send a message to the driver behind you, you can tap your brakes or flick your lights to let them know that they are traveling too close to you.
5. Following Too Closely
Allowing enough space between the vehicles in front of you and behind you is particularly important in icy, slick road conditions. Not doing so is one of the most common winter driving mistakes. Even with the best winter tires, it is essential to give yourself enough stopping space and reaction time to avoid bumping the car in front of you.
During the winter months, it takes much longer to come to a complete stop. Additionally, it is more challenging to switch between lanes. It is never a good idea to tailgate people on the road, but this is especially important during winter. If you are driving too close to the vehicle in front of you, there is a good chance you are focusing on their bumper. This is not a good habit to develop while driving, as you should be paying attention to the road ahead and your surroundings.
Rear-end collisions are some of the most common types of accidents that occur in the winter months, so it is also essential to avoid any sudden stops when possible.
6. Being Unprepared — Expect the Unexpected!
When it comes to driving in the winter, it is always important to expect the unexpected. Sometimes, traffic can be brutal. Breaking down during below-freezing temperatures can be dangerous. This is why it is essential to make sure you have isure’s winter safety kit handy! Items within it include, but are not limited to:
- Blankets
- Warm clothing
- Flashlight
- Shovel
- First-aid kit
- Phone charger
- Bottled water
- Jumper cables
- Snowbrush
7. Driving Too Fast or Irresponsibly
When the roads are slippery, the last thing you want to do is drive at a fast speed at which you can’t slow down in time. Though you should drive at a safe speed in any season, being careless and irresponsible during the winter months is a surefire way to get into an accident. With this being said, your speed isn’t the only thing you’ll want to keep an eye on. Now more than ever, you want to ensure you are not distracted by items such as your phone, eating, or applying makeup.
Additionally, you’ll want to make sure you don’t have any rowdy passengers in the car with you. The last thing you need is a distraction when the roads aren’t in good condition, especially if you hit black ice. Careless and irresponsible driving is a massive contributor to accidents, even when the weather is good!
8. Being an Inexperienced or Novice Driver
Unfortunately, if you are an inexperienced or novice driver, you may want to stay home during bad weather conditions. This is especially true if you are only at a G1 level of driving and need an experienced driver to get behind the wheel with you.
Bad weather conditions in the winter can make driving all the more difficult. When you don’t have the proper experience and are still learning the ways of the road, these weather conditions can create some serious hazards. If it is your first winter driving, please make sure you properly prepare your car and follow the safety tips mentioned in this article to help reduce your driving risk.
9. Poor Planning
Nowadays, the ability to check the weather ahead of time has become easier than ever. With numerous applications for your smartphone, as well as the classic television and radio weather forecasts, there is no excuse for not being adequately prepared! Poor weather conditions mean it is probably not the best time for a winter road trip. Going out when you should be staying in is one of the best ways to avoid any winter driving mistakes.
By planning trips ahead, you give yourself ample time to make sure your vehicle is ready and you are prepared to get behind the wheel in poor driving conditions. You can also go ahead and plan your trips accordingly. If the weather is going to be bad on a day you plan on visiting friends or going out to dinner, it is best to stay home. This will give you ample time to reschedule for a time when the weather isn’t as challenging!
10. Underestimating Your Vehicle’s Capabilities
One of the biggest winter driving mistakes is not checking if your car is prepared for the winter months! There is much more to it than just slapping on some winter tires. Unfortunately, underestimating your vehicle’s capability in the winter months is a mistake that is far too common. Ensuring your vehicle has safety features, such as All-Wheel Drive, will allow you to commute safely and with ease. You should make sure you are stocked up with some car maintenance necessities, such as:
- Oil
- Coolant
- Car cables
- Window washer fluid
- Gas/fuel or full-charge
If your car has been facing issues in the warmer months, like stalling or poor battery life, you should definitely address these issues in advance to stay safe and efficient in the winter. You will also want to make sure your heating system is working correctly. Getting behind the wheel of a car with no heat can make driving difficult and uncomfortable.
Stay Home and Off the Roads (When Possible)
At the end of the day, one of the most dangerous things you can do is to get behind the wheel in bad weather when it is not necessary. Going out when you shouldn’t be is one of the biggest winter driving mistakes you can make. If you aren’t commuting to work or going to the store for necessities, it is essential to ask yourself if it’s worth getting behind the wheel. No matter where you are going, it is just not worth putting yourself and others in harm’s way.
All in all, our list above helps prevent you from making these common winter driving mistakes. Your safety both on and off the road is our biggest priority. Remember, having proper car insurance coverage in case of an accident is crucial in the winter months! Contact us or request a quote today!
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