Tag Archives: Professional Drivers

Winter Survival Kit

Slippery or snow covered roads, reduced visibility, and bitter cold temperatures – winter in Canada can be quite unpredictable for drivers. That is why it is important for us, as drivers, to be prepared at all times and for all types of road conditions.

 

winter survival kitOne of the ways you can stay safe on the roads in winter is to keep a ‘survival kit’ with you on your long drives. Your kit should include items that would help you survive for 24 – 48 hours at a minimum, even without a heater.

 

 

Here are some items you might consider stocking up on for your ‘winter survival kit’:

  1. Matches & Candles
  2. Flashlights & Extra Batteries or a Wind Up Flashlight
  3. Non-perishable foods like protein or energy bars
  4. Water in Plastic Bottles (in case the water freezes, you don’t want the bottle to break)
  5. Blankets or sleeping bag
  6. Extra clothing such as shoes / boots, mitts, hats
  7. Shovel, Scraper and Snowbrush
  8. First Aid Kit
  9. Seatbelt Cutter
  10. Saw or Hatchet
  11. Wire and rope
  12. Tow rope
  13. Jumper cables
  14. Basic tool kit with pliers, crowbar / hammer, screwdrivers, adjustable wrench, duct tape and WD40
  15. Sand, salt or non-clumping cat litter

The list may seem long now but in the case of an emergency, you’ll be glad to have these items on hand! If you don’t already have a survival kit, take the time now to prepare one. When the roads get treacherous, remember to stay safe. Trust your judgement and take a break from your driving if you think the roads are not safe for driving.

 

Know Your Roads – Winter Driving Conditions to Watch Out For

winter road safety

 

Whether you’re driving for our Western, Eastern or Line Haul divisions, you’re sure to encounter some risky and dangerous road conditions in the winter from time to time. Especially if you’re driving longer routes, you might even witness drastic differences from region to the next!

So what do you have to watch out for? Let’s start with the basics:


Blizzards
Blizzards are the most dangerous of winter storms and are a combination of snow, high winds and low temperatures.
Issue: Falling, Blowing or Drifting Snow can significantly reduce road visibility


Heavy Snowfall
How much snow is considered a heavy snowfall? Environment Canada defines heavy snowfall as 15 – 20 cm within 24 hours (accumulation may be lower in temperate climates)
Issue: Reduced visibility


Freezing Rain or Drizzle
These can lead to ice storms resulting in icy and slippery roads and reduced visibility.
Issue: Ice covered roads, trees, power lines etc.


Cold Snap
A cold snap refers to rapidly falling temperature over a short period of time resulting in extreme cold.
Issue: Icy road conditions


Winds
Winds often create blizzards by causing blowing and drifting snow.
Issue: Reduced visibility and chance of wind chill


Black Ice
Just as the name suggests, black ice refers to the thin layer of ice on a road that is often hard to see and can make the road look black and shiny. Remember that the roads tend to freeze more quickly in shaded areas, on bridges and on overpasses and can remain long after the sun comes up!
Issue: Extremely slippery roads


Slush
Slush is what we call wet snow. Normally, melting snow is a good thing (means that temperatures are rising!) but slush can make it difficult for you to steer when it builds up in the well wheels.
Issue: Affects your steering


Remember, safety first on the road! Remember your training and trust your judgement. Stop and take a break from driving if you think the roads are unsafe.

Do you have any winter driving stories to share?