Winter driving: 6 tips to stay safe on the road

1. Stay safe on winter roads

Always stay safe and reduce your speed. Snow and driving are rarely a good combination. The Société de l'assurance automobile du Québec (SAAQ) explains: “It’s illegal to drive with a vehicle covered in snow and ice, or any debris that could become detached and pose a danger to other road users.” Fines for non-compliance range from $60 to $100, plus additional fees.

Before hitting winter roads, don’t skimp on the time needed to clear snow from your car. Use an ice scraper to remove frost from your windows, brush off accumulated snow from the roof, hood and lights, and make sure your mirrors and licence plate are visible.

2. Understand—and use—your vehicle’s safety features when driving during snow events

Modern vehicles come equipped with a variety of driver assistance technologies for driving in snow and ice. Make sure you understand how they work and what they're used for. However, these winter road safety features should never distract you or replace your usual driving techniques.

In extreme weather, avoid using cruise control on winter roads. Don’t rely solely on other driving aids either. Features like blind spot monitoring or lane-keeping assistance may not perform optimally during a snowstorm. Rear cameras or front collision sensors can be blocked by accumulated ice and snow.

3. Plan your route for maximum winter road safety

A 45-minute drive could take much longer in winter. Allow extra time to ensure you arrive on time. Use your preferred navigation app before departure to get familiar with the route and choose the most suitable one for current conditions. Stick to major roads, as they’re often better maintained in cold weather. You can also verify Quebec's Ministère des Transports et de la Mobilité durable website for road conditions by region and main road.

Winter driving demands additional planning. For example, do you have an emergency kit in your vehicle? Have you already installed your winter season tires? When was the last time your car underwent a mechanical inspection? Make sure your wipers are in good shape, your battery is functioning, and the windshield washer fluid reservoir is full. Don’t forget an aid kit. A well-prepared vehicle is your best bet to stay safe on the winter roads.

4. Keep your headlights and taillights clear

Visibility is key when driving in winter conditions. Ice and snow, slush, and road salt can quickly build up on your headlights and taillights, reducing their effectiveness. Before heading out, take a moment to wipe them clean so you can see and be seen on the road.

An extra driving tip? If you are driving long distances on slippery roads, regularly inspect your headlights and taillights. Icy conditions can obscure them with snow and slush, reducing visibility and making it harder for other drivers to see you. Keep them clean to stay safe on the road.

Using your headlights, even during the day, can improve visibility for you and other drivers. And remember—automatic lights don’t always turn on in low-visibility conditions like snowstorms, so make sure they’re on when needed.

5. Adjust your driving to road conditions

Winter driving on ice and snow requires new reflexes to adapt to the road and weather conditions. How do you drive in the snow and ice? First, slow down when visibility is reduced or on slippery roads. Trust your driving experience, and watch out for black ice and skidding!

Another winter driving safety tip? Maintain a minimum 6-second distance from the vehicle ahead. Braking takes longer on snow, and vehicle control can become unpredictable. A greater distance gives you more time to react and take the necessary action.

6. Join a roadside assistance program during winter driving

Every year, winter conditions cause many preventable collisions when driving on ice or snow. Taking a few simple precautions can improve your safety and reduce damage from unexpected incidents. Winter can be dangerous on the road, from black ice to skidding; be cautious and adapt to the conditions.

Of course, no one is immune to an emergency on the road. To prepare for the unexpected—whether it's a dead battery, a flat tire or lost keys—iA Auto and Home Roadside Assistance offers up to four services per year, 24/7. It’s a great add-on to your car insurance policy. Stay safe when winter driving!