With icy roads and worsening driving conditions in winter, over one-third of Ontarians will be leaving their cars off the road during the colder months, according to a new poll.
The TD Insurance Driving Poll shows that close to one-quarter of people in the province say they feel anxious, scared, or even panicked when driving during winter, and 35 percent say they avoid driving during this time.
The poll also shows that older drivers are more confident and more knowledgeable on how to stay safe on winter roads.
According to the provincial government, Ontarians are about 20 percent more likely to be involved in an accident during the winter season compared to summer. There are about 70,000 collisions each year during the winter months.
The Ministry of Transportation provides the following guidelines on how drivers can keep safe on the roads during winter:
Plan Ahead
- Get a winter maintenance check-up
- Have your tires checked and make sure you have the right tires
- Make sure you have enough windshield washer fluid
- Check that your daytime running lights and full lighting system are working
- Clear snow and ice from all windows, lights, mirrors, and the roof
- Keep a winter survival kit in your vehicle should you become stranded
When driving
- Drive for the conditions and don’t follow too closely
- Stay well back and never pass a snowplow
- Avoid sudden braking, accelerating, or steering
- See and be seen by driving with your headlights on
- Pay attention and focus on driving — save your electronic devices for off the road
- Use extra caution on bridges, which freeze more quickly than other sections of the road
- Know how to handle a skid
