Winterpeg driving

Pushhh! Photo from wheels.ca

Winnipeg weather has earned Winnipeg the nickname “Winterpeg,” and with good reason too. Winnipeggers have had to brave -40C weather and extreme prairie winds every winter.

So far, this winter hasn’t caused too much grief for Winnipeggers. Usually snow hits by Halloween, but that wasn’t the case in 2011. It’s November 22 and Winnipeg streets are thankful that they only have a light dusting of snow covering them.

However one Winnipeg winter trend hasn’t changed…BAD WINTER DRIVERS. Bad tires, it was too slippery, and I couldn’t see out of my window are typical excuses for out-of-control winter driving. In my opinion, there are no excuses.

I have experienced my fair share of winter driving mishaps, but I’ve learned from them. It took me a $2,200 Manitoba Public Insurance claim, a busted tire, hours of shoveling, and the thought of freezing to death to make me realize…Slow down!

Most winter accidents could’ve been prevented with a little extra caution and attention to the road. Sure, having a good set of winter tires helps, but it doesn’t mean you can be Speedy Gonzales all over Winnipeg streets.

Here are a few tips that might make you a better and safer winter driver:

SLOW DOWN: The distance it takes you to stop greatly increases when driving on ice or snow, test your breaks in a safe area to predict how long it will take you to stop.

CLEAR OFF SNOW AND ICE: Tons of Winnipeggers make the mistake of not clearing off the snow and ice from their windows. The two minutes it takes to clear off your windows could possibly save you 30 minutes of exchanging information and pulling your bumper back into place.

TOP UP THE WASHER FUILD: Making sure you stock up on windshield wiper fluid is always a good idea, especially in winter. Driving in slushy conditions guarantees a dirty windshield, and visibility is key when driving.

TIRE PRESSURE: Tire pressure decreases in cold weather, so be sure to check tire pressure regularly.

WINTER SURVIVAL KIT: Yes, it sounds like something mom or dad would suggest, but it’s true. Having a winter survival kit in the backseat or trunk of your car is a brilliant idea. I have experienced the wrath of Winterpeg and thought that I was going to catch hypothermia. Luckily I had someone stop, but if no one had I would’ve been a goner. Here is a list of items to include in your winter survival kit: Ice scraper, shovel, tow rope, gloves, toque, first aid kit, flashlight, extra dry clothing, blanket, booster cables, and matches.

Hopefully, these tips help and will keep you and your car from getting tipped over in The Outhouse.  

4x4 doesn't mean you're unstoppable. Photo from www.mto.gov.ont.ca