How to Extend Your Riding Season: Tips for Staying Safe on Icy Roads

Winter driving can be fun when you know how to navigate cold weather or challenging road conditions and prioritize your safety when driving on icy roads to avoid accidents. The snow-covered roads in Ontario can be dangerous, but with the safety tips below, you can stay safe and avoid collisions and other problems on the road.

Check the Weather Forecast

Go online to check the winter weather for any ice storms, blizzards, or avalanches in Ontario or the area you want to explore. If the road is in poor condition, consider postponing your trip or changing your itinerary. When driving becomes risky, pull off the road and drive again only when it's safe. Don't forget to familiarize yourself with maps and inform friends or family members of your anticipated arrival time, just in case.

Stay Alert and Adapt Your Driving

Always stay alert, especially when driving on slippery roads. To stay safe, avoid using your cell phone while driving. Avoid passing other motorcycles or vehicles and match your driving speed to the icy conditions to avoid accidents.

Get Winter Tires

One of the challenges with driving in Canada's winter months is the cold and the layer of ice and snow on the road surface. As you drive over slippery roads, water and slush can develop between the tire and the roadway, and regular tires aren't built for this. Winter tires are designed for driving on snowy roads, maximizing your safety and reducing road problems.

Prevent Skidding

Slow down and be careful when applying brakes, making turns, or changing lanes to avoid skidding or loss of control. If you see the Electronic Stability Control light come on, this is a warning that you should slow down. We also recommend reading the car manual to learn about tire traction and the braking system to stay informed.

Always Be Ready

Ensure your phone is fully charged before leaving in case you need to call 911 for emergency assistance. Also, bring your emergency kit, which includes medicines, food, a flashlight, water, and a first aid kit. Check for any potential hazards and learn about ice and avalanche safety to stay safe. Most importantly, stay sober. Never drive when you're drunk and always put on your seatbelt.

The tips above can help you stay safe while driving in bad weather or slippery roads. However, never neglect car maintenance. When you plan to drive on winter roads, ensure you change the oil in your vehicle and check the tires and the car battery. If you need professional service for your motorcycle or need to purchase a new one, please contact us today.