Be winter wise - IBC Top 10: Tips for safe winter driving

EDMONTON, Nov. 12, 2014 /CNW/ - As the temperature drops, Insurance Bureau of Canada (IBC) offers Western Canadians its top 10 tips for safe winter driving.

"Winter driving poses unique challenges," said Bill Adams, Vice-President, Western & Pacific, IBC. "Taking the time to prepare for winter driving and being cautious behind the wheel could save a life."

IBC's top-10 tips for safe winter driving include:

1. Drive according to the road conditions. 
   • Heed the warnings from Environment Canada's local weather offices.
2. Tune up your car. 
   • Check your vehicle's battery, belts, hoses, radiator, coolant/antifreeze, oil, lights, brakes, exhaust system, heater/defroster, ignition system and tires.
3. Check the wipers regularly and carry an extra jug of windshield-washer fluid in your vehicle.
4. Inspect the tires and check the tire pressure at least once a month in cold weather.
5. Install four winter tires.  
   • Winter tires allow you to stop up to 40% sooner than all-season tires and significantly improve your vehicle's handling in winter weather.
6. Keep the gas tank topped up.
7. Always carry an emergency kit. 
   • Include extra antifreeze,  a flashlight, batteries, blankets, a candle, matches, hazard markers, a snow shovel, an ice scraper and brush, the phone number of a local towing company, sand, booster cables and food.
8. Tell someone where you are going and when you expect to arrive.
9. Bring a map or GPS and plan an alternative route.
10. Carry a charged cell phone.

For more information on safe winter driving, visit www.ibc.ca or click here.

About Insurance Bureau of Canada
Insurance Bureau of Canada (IBC) is pleased to celebrate 50 years as a valuable resource for insurance information. Since 1964, IBC has been working with governments across Canada to make our communities safer, championing issues that directly affect Canadians and the property and casualty (P&C) insurance industry. IBC is the national industry association representing Canada's private home, car and business insurers. Its member companies represent 90% of the P&C insurance market in Canada. The P&C insurance industry employs over 118,600 Canadians, pays more than $7 billion in taxes to the federal, provincial and municipal governments, and has a total premium base of $48 billion.

To view media releases and other information, visit the media section of IBC's website at ibc.ca. Follow IBC on Twitter @InsuranceBureau and @IBC_Atlantic or like us on Facebook.

If you require more information, IBC spokespeople are available to discuss the details in this media release.

Image with caption: "IBC Top 10: Tips for safe winter driving (CNW Group/Insurance Bureau of Canada)". Image available at: http://photos.newswire.ca/images/download/20141112_C5424_PHOTO_EN_7887.jpg

SOURCE: Insurance Bureau of Canada

To schedule an interview, please contact: Celyeste Power, Manager, Media Relations, Insurance Bureau of Canada, 416-362-2031 ext. 4312 (daytime), 647-384-9872 (after hours), [email protected]