Where Are Your Snow Tires?

(COUNTY OF WELLINGTON, ON) – If your answer to the above question was in the garage, in the shed or I haven’t bought them yet, you wouldn’t be alone.

But, shorter days and fluctuating temperatures along with occasional sleet and snow are vivid reminders that winter is on the way and treacherous driving conditions can be present at any time. Snow squalls can create dangerous driving conditions that can contribute to collisions.

The start of the winter presents some of the worst driving conditions of the entire year. We see rapid fluctuations in the weather, which by extension greatly influences road conditions. The ground and pavement are still relatively warm so sleet or snow often forms ice or heavy slippery slush.

Bare pavement could be mixed with ice patches, loose snow or ground drifting. Pavement in the sun might be clear while a shaded area on the next curve is covered in ice. Sleet, freezing rain, snow or a combination of the three is always a possibility as the temperature hovers around the freezing mark. These are just some of the road conditions encountered by motorists this time of the year.

Taking control of a vehicle that is about to crash is difficult at best and the outcome is not always predictable. Anticipating problems and taking steps toward collision avoidance is a far better choice so here are a few key points that might make a difference:

Tires play a major role in the handling and braking of any vehicle, especially in adverse road conditions. Typically the lighter, rear end of a vehicle is prone to lose traction and break free when tested with emergency manoeuvres. Snow tires are far more effective then all-seasons and should be on all four wheels of your vehicle! Have you gotten your snow tires mounted yet?

Tires aside, drivers must adjust speed according to weather and road conditions at all times. Driving below the posted speed should be something you expect to do, so remember to reduce your speed!

This time of the year weather and road conditions change fast and often. In fact, the road conditions might be different around the next curve, so remember to be attentive!

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