Don’t wait until the snow flies before assuring that your vehicle is ready for winter driving, says Transportation and Infrastructure Renewal Minister Robert Vessey.
“We recommend that Islanders install four matching winter tires on their vehicles during the month of November,” Minister Vessey said. “Winter tires provide twice the traction of all-season tires in snowy conditions, and will help make for safer driving for everyone traveling our highways this winter.”
Look for the snowflake and peaked-mountain symbol when shopping for winter tires to assure they are certified for winter driving conditions.
As temperatures drop, drivers also should be aware of black ice on our roadways. Black ice is invisible and forms when warm air meets ice-cold pavement, most commonly on bridges, overpasses, and in shaded areas.
To avoid skidding, steer smoothly and begin braking sooner than you would on clear, dry pavement. If your vehicle begins to slide, do not slam on the brakes. Instead, take your foot off the gas and tap the brake pedal lightly.
For more on winter driving, visit www.gov.pe.ca/winterdriving .