Winter driving can be a challenge for all motorists.  Conditions can be icy and slippery. Snow drifts and black ice are common.  Here are a few tips to keep in mind when driving in the Winter:

* Check to see if your area requires that your vehicle be equipped with winter tires during the winter months. 

* Slow down and always give yourself more time to get where you are going during the winter months.

* Always leave more space between you and the car ahead of you allowing for more room to stop. 

* Winter driving courses are available from many local driving instructors and are invaluable to newcomers to Canada. 

* Stay on the main roads as it is unlikely that back roads will be well plowed.

* Never pass a snowplow on the right-hand side.  It is best to stay well back when you see the blue flashing light of a plow.

* Practice emergency braking to understand how your vehicle will react.

* Skidding occurs when your wheels slide out of control on a slippery surface.  To reduce the likelihood of this occurring, slow down well in advance of turns and avoid sudden stops.

* Every vehicle should have a winter survival kit. Suggested items to have are: 

  - Warm winter gloves, toque and boots  - Blanket or extra clothing

- Bag of sand or kitty litter  - Small shovel

- Ice scraper and/or snow brush  - Booster cables

- Non-perishable food items/water  - Duct tape

- Extra windshield washer fluid  - First Aid kit

- Road maps (not just a GPS unit)  - Flashlight and batteries

- Flares  - Waterproof matches

- Battery jumper cables  - A fully charged cellphone

- Tools  - Fire extinguisher

How to prepare for Winter in Canada

Winter in Canada can be unforgiving, with heavy snowfalls and blizzards, high wind chills, freezing rain and extremely cold temperatures.  If you are properly prepared for Winter, you can enjoy all the season has to offer.

Wind Chill

During the Winter months, you will hear two different temperatures from the weather reports.  One is the actual temperature and the second one is called "wind chill".  The "wind chill" is the actual temperature with the wind chill factor included.  It is a calculation that takes into account the effect of the wind to provide a reading of the apparent temperature, as opposed to the actual temperature that shows on a thermometer.  It is the effect that the wind has on making the air feel colder than it is. For example, if the actual temperature is –10˚C and the wind chill temperature is –20˚C, your skill will feel the –20˚C.  For more details on Wind Chill, please visit: Wind Chill - The chilling facts. 

Frostbite

When your skin is exposed to extremely low temperatures you risk the chance of getting frostbite. This is the partial freezing of the exposed parts of your body. Frostbite most commonly affects the hands, feet and face. Expose as little skin as possible in very cold weather as frostbite can happen in a very short time.

Hypothermia

Hypothermia, also referred to as exposure, occurs when the body is producing less heat than it is losing. Hypothermia occurs as your body temperature passes below 35°C (95°F). When your body temperature drops, your heart, nervous system and other organs can't work normally. It is usually caused by prolonged exposure to cold temperatures or immersion in cold water. Dress for the weather and avoid long exposure to the cold.

Clothing

Dress warmly in layers and dress for the activity you are doing. You can always remove a layer if you are too warm.  Some suggestions to keep warm are: 

                                            Feet

·      Keep them dry

·      Wear wool or thermal socks

·      Wear waterproof or water-resistant boots/shoes

·      Shoes/Boots should have a good tread to avoid slipping. Avoid leather shoes as they can be slippery on ice.    

 Hands

·      Wear thick or insulated gloves or mittens as your hands can get cold very easily.

·      Change them if they get wet

                Head

·      Most of your body heat is lost through your head so make sure its covered

·      Don't forget to protect your ears

·      People in Canada often refer to a winter hat as a "toque" (sounds like "tuke")

                 Neck

·      Wear a scarf which can also be used to cover your face/head if needed.

                Outer Clothing

·      A good coat is perhaps the most important piece of winter clothing you will need.

·      Keeping yourself dry is the best way to stay warm

·      Purchase one that has a wind and/or waterproof outer layer.

·      Buy your coat large enough to wear a sweater underneath.