Winter Driving Conditions Pose Ongoing Risks for Canadian Motorists and driving risks surge across Canada.
Winter driving presents many challenges for Canadian motorists, with nearly 30 per cent of car accidents in Canada occurring on snowy or icy roads. According to reports from the Traffic Accident Information System (TAIS), five per cent of fatal collisions take place during snowfall.
The risk of winter crashes is concentrated in specific areas. Mountain passes, regions affected by lake effect snow, forested areas with frequent wildlife crossings and dense suburban zones are among the most dangerous. More than half of Canada’s most hazardous winter roads are locatedhere in Ontario, where weather conditions, wildlife and urban environments all contribute to the rise of higher collision rates.
For many Wilfrid Laurier University students who commute, winter driving can be particularly intimidating. Travelling to and from campus during colder months requires drivers to adjust their driving behaviour. One of the most effective ways to do this is by reducing speed. The simple act of slowing down on the road lowers the risk of skidding or losing control on slippery streets and provides more time to brake or respond to hazards. Remaining alert and aware of surroundings is especially important during periods of reduced visibility or heavy snow.
Vehicle maintenance is another key factor in making winter commuting safer and more manageable. Before driving, motorists should remove all snow from their vehicle, including the hood, roof, windows and lights. Clearing fog or frost from windows and allowing extra time for the vehicle to warm up can also improve visibility and performance. A snow brush is a useful tool for keeping vehicles clear.
This preparation is especially important, as driving without a properly cleared vehicle is illegal in Ontario. In 2014, the Legislative Assembly of Ontario passed Bill 183 under the Ontario Highway Traffic Act, which allows penalties for drivers operating a vehicle with a dangerous accumulation of snow or ice. Keep this in mind before speeding out of the driveway!
Drivers who commute frequently are encouraged to prepare their vehicles in advance for colder temperatures. While vehicle manuals outline model specific requirements, a general winter check-up is a necessary step in winter safety.
A general checkup includes a look at several key components. Things such as car batteries, which work harder in winter conditions, can become a liability if weakened, particularly if they are between three and five years old. Drivers should also inspect brakes, ignition systems and windshield wipers, and ensure washer fluid is rated for temperatures as low as -40 C. The most important winter preparation, however, is installing winter tires.
Though they may appear unnecessary or costly, winter tires significantly improve safety and control under poor road conditions. Winter tires are manufactured with a rubber compound that remains flexible in cold temperatures, providing better traction at -30 C than all-season tires do at 4 C. On icy roads, vehicles equipped with winter tires require 6.4 metres to stop, compared with 12.1 metres for vehicles using all-season tires. This improved performance increases the likelihood that drivers can avoid a collision.
For students who commute to campus, winter driving often becomes a daily routine. Early morning classes, changing schedules and harsh winter weather can increase pressure on student drivers.
As Wilfrid Laurier University transitions into its Winter 2026 semester, continued caution on the roads remains essential. While winter conditions cannot be controlled, how drivers respond to them is what makes a difference in road safety.
Contributed Photo/Jessi Wood/TCE Creative Director
