Snow on our roads brings a lot of stress

On after a survey realized by Goodyear, the stress level increases as the temperature decreases

Vancouver to St. John's, the snow on the road brings a lot of stress at the wheel

The signs start to appear: matches NHL hockey on television, leaves on the ground and cooling temperatures - Old Man Winter is fast approaching and it is preparing to bring us a supplement of stress, and more the regular delivery of snow and ice. On after a new survey realized by Goodyear Canada, despite our reputation for seasoned cold population, nearly 7 in 10 Canadians (69%) agree that driving on snowy or icy roads is stressful. The survey also revealed that more than half of us (51%) avoid simply driving in bad weather, and missing a variety of personal and professional obligations every winter.

"When winter comes, you can choose to hibernate or prepare yourself. For most Canadians, hibernation is not an option, "stated Ian Law, chief instructor has the ILR Car Control School and an expert on winter driving techniques. "When it comes to best prepare yourself for winter driving, you should start by installing winter tires. Driving without winter tires back to wear dress shoes on a skating rink. "

Blocked by snow winter conditions push many of us declare package:

• 39% lack a social activity with friends (eg. A feast)

• 35% have not participated in a leisure activity (eg. Sporting event, club)

• 28% were absent from work

• 21% lack an activity of their child

• 19% have not presented a medical appointment

• 10% have missed an appointment

Adaptation Strategies

Canadians have many ways to adapt to stressful driving conditions:

• 95% lead slower / more cautiously

• 84% are more focused

• 40% off The radio

• 40% based deeply

• 31% fall on the side of the road and stop

• 13% sing, hum or whistle

Daily displacements in winter

Two-thirds of Canadians (67%) indicated that their time displacement increases in winter. More particularly:

• 53% declare that their total travel time increases up to 30 minutes

• 8% reported an increase of 30 to 45 minutes

• 8% reported an increase of at least 45 minutes

Winter driving tips from Goodyear:

Prepare your car for winter

Add antifreeze coolant sufficient quantity. This will protect your car from frost and corrosion. Check the battery to make sure it provides enough electricity to start your car on cold winter days.

Be prepared for any eventuality

Leave an emergency safety kit in the trunk of your vehicle, comprising: a flashlight and extra batteries, a first aid kit, blankets, bottled water and jumper cables.

Tire pressure

Check the tire pressure at least once a month, more often during the winter. Tire pressure has a tendency to decrease as the outside temperature drops.

Check the tread on your tires

Examine the wear indicators on your tires molds. The indicators are located on the surface of the grooves, has several locations around the tire.

Install winter tires

The winter road conditions are more stringent and winter tires are specially designed to provide excellent adhesion and a very good braking in case of abundant snowing, even a high stability and an effective control on the slush.

For more tips on winter driving, visit www.goodyear.ca.