Winter driving can be dangerous, with slippery roads, heavy snow, and poor visibility all increasing the odds of an accident. A few simple tips can help to keep you and everyone else on the road safer throughout the winter months and avoid a traffic tickets or a claim that could increase your Ontario car insurance rates
Toronto, Canada (PRWEB) January 03, 2013
Safe winter driving is a combination of caution on the driver's part and the right equipment on the vehicle. With a few driving tips as well as some advice on how to make sure the car is winter-ready from icandrive.ca, all of Canada's winter roads will be a little safer.
Buy Winter Tires
They may seem like a big investment that it can be hard to find the extra cash for, but winter tires are one of the best defenses against snow and ice on the roads and the colder temperatures of the winter months. It's a good idea to buy the best winter tires your budget will allow in order to increase the vehicle's traction on the road surface and ability to safely navigate snowy winter roads.
Winter tires are designed to handle low temperatures and icy road surfaces that all-season tires can't manage. That means having them on your car can prevent an accident. There is often a discount available on Ontario car insurance rates to those who buy new winter tires as an added incentive.
Drive More Cautiously
Even with the best winter tires on the vehicle, slippery roads are more dangerous than dry ones. When driving in the winter it's vital to slow down and use more caution. Allow a longer stopping distance between vehicles and at red lights or stop signs, and drive at a slower speed so that stopping takes less time.
Remember that driving safely is different in the winter than in the summer, and to avoid traffic tickets bear in mind that police may hand out a careless driving ticket more readily and may not easily accept poor road conditions as an excuse for sliding through a stop sign. It's up to every driver to take road conditions into account and make an effort to avoid letting them become a factor in poor winter driving.
Keep Things Clean and Maintained
Keeping car windows and headlights clean is always important, but it's even more important in the winter when visibility is often already reduced by blowing snow. Maintaining things on the vehicle is also important, including ensuring all headlights, taillights, brake lights and turn signal lights are working properly so that other drivers will be able to see the car and anticipate the driver's moves.
It's also vital to make sure the car has the right windshield fluid and anti-freeze to ensure it is running properly and the driver can see and proceed safely. Keep up on regular tune-ups as well so that a sudden breakdown doesn't cause a potential accident.
Don't Drink and Drive
Drinking and driving is always a bad idea, but during the winter months, especially around the holidays, it becomes a particularly dangerous and all too common problem. Driving while intoxicated may well be the worst winter driving mistake any driver can make. The reduced reaction time and judgment that come with alcohol mixed with roads that are icy and with poor visibility is a recipe for an accident.
A drunk driving charge will result in heavy penalties including higher Ontario car insurance rates, and is simply a very dangerous thing to do. Drive sober, and make the winter roads safer for everyone.
Safe winter driving is the responsibility of everyone on the road. Be sure to follow these tips to reduce the odds of a ticket or accident this winter.
About icandrive.ca
icandrive.ca helps Canadian consumers connect with insurance brokers and agents to get the lowest possible insurance rates. Compare insurance rates from over 30 insurance companies through our compare a quote tool. Our business is dedicated to providing the most up to date and useful insurance related information to Canadian drivers. By showing how and where you can save money you can benefit from all the available savings and pay less for your insurance coverage
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