- Vehicle tune-ups are the way that 88 per cent of Canadian drivers get winter-ready, while only 58 per cent prepare their car with proper tires for maximum traction and maneuvering.
"Keeping your car in good working order and planning ahead are certainly important precautionary methods for winter driving," says Mr. Lindo. "But the most important place to start is with your tires. Snow tires are designed to grip deeper and resist colder temperatures, which will provide superior traction and durability in cold, wet weather."
Other survey findings:
- Icy roads are the greatest concern to those in Quebec, Manitoba and Saskatchewan, while 82 per cent of Canadians in Atlantic Region install snow tires on their vehicles;
- A greater majority of young drivers, ages 18-29, equip their cars with snow tires than drivers over the age of 50. Drivers over the age of 50 will be more likely avoid driving in adverse conditions;
- Nineteen per cent more females have a higher concern for icy conditions and tend to stay off the roads more than males.
To learn more about how to prepare your vehicle for winter driving visit www.tiresafety.com
About this survey
Maritz: Thompson Lightstone conducted the study through a national telephone Omnibus from September 26, 2002 to October 2, 2002. A nationally representative sample of 2,009 Canadians is accurate to within 2.19 percentage points, 19 times out of 20. Maritz: Thompson Lightstone is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Maritz Research, a worldwide leader in market research.
About Bridgestone/Firestone
Bridgestone/Firestone North American Tire, LLC (BFNT) is a subsidiary of Bridgestone/Firestone Americas Holding, Inc. (BFAH), whose parent company, Bridgestone Corporation, is the world's largest tire and rubber company. BFNT develops, manufactures and markets Bridgestone, Firestone, Dayton and associate and private brand tires. The company is focused on wholesale and original equipment markets, supplying passenger, light truck, commercial vehicle, off-road, agriculture and other tires to its customers in North America.