Top Tips for Safe Winter Travels

Temperatures and daylight have decreased, and Canada's motorists are now faced with the most challenging travel season of the year- winter. Though travelling at sub-zero temperatures through nasty weather conditions can be daunting, it can also be rewarding and relaxing- depending on your level of preparedness.


Here are some general tips to ensure successful travels in the colder months

· Make sure you're in top shape. Driving requires you to be alert, prepared and well rested for any journey- be it 30 minutes to work or an 8 hour road trip. Winter is hard on your eyes, so consider investing in some driving glasses to cut back on glare and the eye fatigue. Avoid heavy meals before longer trips, as they can cause drowsiness. Remember, if you're tired or dozy, pull over and rest. Driving when you aren't alert in wintertime isn't worth the chance.

· Make sure your vehicle is in top shape too. Start with seeing and being seen- ensuring all lights are working properly and that your headlamps are aimed. If you can't see properly out of your car, you're asking for trouble.

· Don't be that idiot who drives while looking out a small peep-hole in the frost on his windshield. Also, be sure to clear your vehicle off entirely of snow- for safety's sake. This helps ensure you can be seen, and it's also the law.

· Make sure those wiper blades are working properly and not streaking. Many new vehicles come with a 'frameless' wiper style that has no metal hinges or pivots to freeze in winter. These may be available from your favorite parts store or dealer for your older car, too. Invest in a premium winter washer fluid that won't freeze on your windshield and hinder visibility. The extra dollar or two is worth it when it's 30 below.

· Keep a charged cellular phone in your car at all times. A bag of cat litter is ideal for traction in case you get stuck, and it doesn't hurt to keep some blankets, candles and a snack stored in the trunk- just in case. Pushing a stuck car out of a snowbank can be hungry work, after all.

· Make sure your snow tires are inflated properly to be certain that they're as effective as they should be. An underinflated tire uses more fuel, wears out more quickly and poses a safety hazard.