Driving on the TransCanada Highway affords perhaps the best opportunity in the whole world to view some stunningly beautiful scenery as this highway is also considered the longest one in the world! In spite of its far northern hemisphere location and the perception of snowdrifts up to rooftops, Canada’s roads are safe! When visiting Canada during the months with the highest potential for high drifts of this wintry precipitation, be careful and be aware of how to survive winter driving in Canada!

Know Canada’s Weather

Weather must be taken into consideration when driving in Canada, since atmospheric conditions play a major role in this part of the northern hemisphere. Traffic usually is slowed down by heavy rain, snow or fog; be especially alert when the weather forecast calls for squalls, as they often arrive with little actual warning. These are the times when visibility can instantly change from clear to zero and drivers can be caught off guard.

Learning from Canadian drivers is important because they know that before beginning any long trip, they must take into high consideration what the weather forecast is and the winter road condition reports, since both the long-range forecast and road report offers them an idea about specific conditions in any given location. They can be checked online or listened to on a local radio station to obtain detailed weather information.

Learn About Canada Highways During Snowstorms

Busy highways and urban roads get the top priority for snowfall removal during winter storms with heavy precipitation. During these times, they are covered with gravel or rock chips along with a mixture of salt. The salt helps melt the snow although salt is much less effective when temperatures reach below 14f (-10c).

Snowplows and snow graders are dispatched during or after extremely heavy snowfall to scrape it off the roads and highways. Make sure to allow extra room when passing these winter utility vehicles since snow grater blades and plows are wider than the truck to which they are attached and always remember not to pass either of these vehicles on the right side!

Plan the Road Trip

Allowing enough time to prepare and plan for the trip is essential. This includes calculating the mileage that will be traveled, an itinerary, items to pack in case of emergencies and an emergency first-aid kit, budgeting and of course double checking the vehicle’s condition. Be very detailed when determining the number of miles from one town or city to the other. Make sure to determine at least the approximate number of hours or days it will take to drive from one location to the other. Double check the list thoroughly online for accurate road markings, hotel listings, restaurants and other itinerary details. Also, although there are fast food restaurants along the route, it is best to bring plenty of food and drink in an ice chest just in case of emergencies.

Preparing for Possible Emergencies

Precautions are extremely important especially for winter driving. Always bring along a first aid kit, matches, flares, jumper cables, reflector triangles, a gas can, a tow chain, extra warm clothing, emergency food, etc. Please refer to the recommended things listed on the Canadian Automobile Association brochure when planning what will need to be taken on a trip

Vehicle Preparation

Gear your vehicle with winter tires as this will significantly improve driving safety especially when driving on roads covered with snow or ice. Chains should also be carried in order to provide more traction for the tires if needed. Also, make sure that the gas tank is on full and the windshield washer fluid is also full so that there will be enough of both to reach the planned destination. Most of all, it is always important to run a procedural maintenance check on the vehicle before heading on any journey.

The points listed above are the top essentials and basic things one should know in order to survive driving during the winter months in Canada! More detailed information can be obtained from Canada’s official road website. Remember, common sense is still the best asset that man has for survival. Bearing this in mind, winter driving in Canada can be survived – and fun!