For many people, winter is their favorite time of the year. This is the best season when you can wrap up in a fuzzy blanket, drink hot cocoa by the fireplace, and watch the snow fall down from the warm confines of your cozy home.
However, there are others who prefer to enjoy the beauty of winter outside, especially while road-tripping across Canada. The Great White North is home to some of the most beautiful winter places in the world which are famous for their snowy landscapes and will certainly tempt you to pack your bags and take off on an unforgettable Canadian crossing.
But due to the harsh winter weather conditions this country experiences, it is essential that you stay safe at all times while on the road. From prepping your car with winter tires to staying alert of the black ice, there are many things you should consider to be able to safely navigate through the cold Canadian climate.
Here are four tips to help you along and keep you covered for your trip.
Plan your trip in advance
Planning your trip ahead of time is essential when driving through Canada during winter. This includes researching your vacation destination, looking for proper accommodation, and finding out what the road conditions are so you can be fully prepared.
Another important thing you need to do before hitting the road is to obtain car insurance. Since Canadian winters can be quite fierce, with frozen and icy roads, you need to be ready to face some road dangers and rely on your insurance to cover you in the event of collisions or damages that may incur while driving.
That’s why you need to make sure you look for a local brokerage to help you along. For instance, if you live in Calgary, look for the best Calgary car insurance brokers near you to help you purchase a policy that suits your needs and budget.
Prep your vehicle
Part of planning your trip is also preparing your vehicle. Depending on where you live and where you are going, there are certain winter driving requirements each Canadian province dictates that you must meet.
For example, if you are going to Quebec, you are required by law to install winter tires. The purpose of these tires is to help you maintain better traction on extremely cold, icy, snowy, or slushy roads, which will further help reduce the possibility of getting into a car accident while driving.
In addition to preparing your car with these winter essentials, make sure you also clear ice and snow from all exterior windows and mirrors so you can see better and be easily seen on the road.
Adapt your driving
When driving in winter, it is important that you adapt your driving according to the weather conditions. This means you need to employ several driving habits to help keep you safe and prevent you from getting into a car accident.
For example, you should match your speed to the road and the weather conditions. Staying within the appointed speed limits will certainly reduce any risk of accidents, helping you keep a safe distance between your vehicle and the vehicle in front of you, and giving you enough time to stop when hitting the brakes.
Also, make sure you learn how to handle your car in a skid in snow or ice. In this case, avoid accelerating and braking because you are increasing your risk of getting into an accident.
Watch out for black ice
When you are going on a winter road trip through Canada, you should keep a lookout for the poor weather conditions you may encounter during your journey.
For example, one thing that is common in Canada is black ice. This is a glaze that typically forms on road surfaces, giving the impression that the road is dry when it is actually covered with a slick and subtle layer of ice that is almost invisible to the naked eye. The ice makes the road slippery which further makes braking and steering more difficult.
To keep safe, you should resist the urge to hit the brakes, keep your steering wheel straight, and don’t accelerate.
Final thoughts
Going on a road trip in Canada in winter can be a rewarding experience. However, due to the harsh weather conditions the country experiences, it is imperative that you practice safety at all times so you can protect yourself and reduce the risk of any accidents.
For more information, refer to our post and learn how to stay safe when hitting the roads in the Great White North this winter season.
