Winter is coming

When the temperatures drop and the snow flies, drivers have to change their mindset.

 

Nathanael Sidharta
Kicker

As winter approaches, motorists need to be aware of slicker roads and adjust their driving style to ensure the safety of other drivers.

One cause of slippery roads is black ice, a layer of frost on the road that is not visible because it blends with the road’s surface.

Const. James Cadigan, the RNC’s public communications officer, says slippery roads increase stopping distance. The longer stopping distances often lead to a rash of minor accidents early in the winter because drivers aren’t prepared.

“I wouldn’t say that there are more accidents in the winter, it’s a different type of collision,” said Cadigan.

He says it is imperative to reduce speed and observe the surroundings when driving in the rain and snow.

A study using government data from 2021 was released in June. It showed Newfoundland and Labrador had the fifth highest collision rate in the country. The province had 6.7 fatalities and 408.5 injuries per 100,000 residents. P.E.I led the pack with 10.5 fatalities per 100,000 people – twice the national average. The tiny island also racked up 287 injuries. 

Sean Kelly, the CEO of SafetyNL, says winter brings blizzards and reduced visibility. Blizzards often turn into whiteouts.

“The weather is going to change probably several times between when you leave and when you get to your destination.”

• Sean Kelly

“You don’t want to stop or get out of the car in those conditions, because if you do, you run the risk of somebody coming behind you who can’t see you and doesn’t know you’re there, hitting either you or the vehicle, or both,” said Kelly.

“You have to be prepared for all those circumstances.”

The importance of winter tires with a deep tread that improves traction, says Cadigan, can’t be overstated.

Kelly says proper winter tires are a driver’s best bet.

“All-season tires are acceptable in some situations, but generally I suggest getting winter tires on the vehicle no matter where you are if it’s winter,” Kelly said.

Even though studded tires give drivers more confidence, says Kelly, it’s a personal preference. 

According to Kelly, the temperate climate in St. John’s creates more slush and wet surfaces. Other places like Gander, Grand Falls-Windsor and Corner Brook have a higher snow accumulation and fewer winter thaws.

Car owners, Cadigan says, must get back in the habit of clearing snow from their car windows. Often drivers only clear or scrape the bare minimum prior to driving. That limits visibility and is often the cause of collisions. Snow that’s not cleared can also fall from the roof and hit another vehicle or pedestrian on the street.

“People tend to get the front of their car hit frequently because they – they’re not confident peeking out very slowly to see if there’s anything coming,” said Kelly.

Driving across the island in the winter is challenging. To make the drive safer, Kelly suggests drivers do what he calls journey management, which means doing research about the weather along their chosen route.

“The weather is going to change probably several times between when you leave and when you get to your destination,” said Kelly. “When you check for the weather, don’t just think about the weather where you are now, but what it’s going to be like in certain parts across the island.”