The Benefits of Winter Tires
In April 2015, the Ontario government announced that insurance companies would be required to offer drivers a discount for choosing to put winter tires on their cars and trucks. The government stopped short of following Quebec’s lead in making winter tires mandatory.
In Quebec, winter tires need to be installed by December 15 each year and remain in place until the following March 15. Quebec’s Ministry of Transport found that the implementation of mandatory winter tires made an immediate impact. There were five percent fewer victims of motor vehicle accidents in the first year of the program as compared to the five years prior to the mandatory requirement.
Winter tires work because they have enough rubber to stay soft and flexible in the cold. Winter tires are less slippery than all-season tires because they contain silica, which is like sand, and gives winter tires a biting edge on slippery snow. Winter tires also have tread design features that push away water, slush, and snow so that drivers can corner and brake safely. All-season tires by comparison get hard and lose their effectiveness when temperatures dip below seven degrees Celsius. All-season and summer tires are more prone to clog with snow creating an unsafe and slippery driving surface.
Winter tires will not prevent a car accident but they do provide better protection for you, your family, and other drivers. If you, or someone you know, has been injured while driving on winter roads a personal injury lawyer can help.
