The most important piece of winter safety equipment in your vehicle is the driver.
That was the message North District RCMP, Canadian Tire, Minister of Public Safety Shirley Bond and Mayor Shari Green had for the public at a special presentation on Friday.
"Don't rely on the electronics in your vehicle to save your life," North District RCMP traffic services commander Insp. Eric Brewer said.
"They don't work if you exceed their ability to help you."
Posted speed limits are for optimal driving conditions - clear, dry roads with good visibility - Brewer added. Slow down and drive at speeds appropriate for road conditions and visibility, he said.
If roads are slippery to walk on, they are also slippery to drive on, he said.
"The rubber on your shoes is not a whole lot different than the rubber on your tires," Brewer said.
Canadian Tire automotive service manage Guy Cote said having four, matching winter tires on your vehicle will improve your vehicle's safety in winter conditions.
Tires that meet the minimum national standards for winter tires are marked with a mountain and snowflake logo, Cote said.
But not all winter tires are made equal, he said. Some are designed with a deep tread for deep snow conditions, while others are designed for icy roads with soft rubber and channels to push water out from underneath the tire.
"Depending on your driving habits and where you live, you should pick the tires that make sense for you," Cote said. "[And] you don't want to have mismatched tires."
A vehicle with winter tires only on the front or rear drive wheels can be prone to fishtailing or over steering in slippery conditions, Cote said.
"Visibility is probably the second-most important thing, after winter tires. A winter [windshield] wiper is different than all-season or summer wipers," he said.
Winter wipers don't have holes or grooves, which allow snow and ice to accumulate.
Clean, working lights, windshield wiper fluid rated to -40 C, a fully-charged battery and winter emergency kit are also important for winter safety, he said.
Minister of Public Safety, Attorney General and Solicitor General Shirley Bond said safety is an attitude.
"You need to make sure your vehicle is prepared for winter. And you have to make a mental shift as well," Bond said. "It's a matter of slowing down, paying attention ... take enough time, know where you're going and make sure you can get there without rushing."
Mayor Shari Green called on residents to help city crews keep roads safe.
"If you see an intersection that is slippery ... help us keep the roads safe for everyone by calling 561-7600 and letting our staff know so we can get a sanding truck out," Green said.
Give city snow plows and road equipment plenty of room to work so that everyone gets home safe, she added.
