I can sense that many readers were shocked to see the expression “winter tire season” in the middle of October. How can I sincerely recommend installing winter tires before the snow has even begun to fall in most of the country? As British Columbians know all too well, it's never too early to be cautious, especially in such a northern country!
In the country's most westerly province, winter tires have been mandatory on most highways since October 1st. Of particular note is the Sea to Sky highway, an important link to the Rockies. In Quebec, all vehicles must be equipped with certified tires on all roads from December 1. This may seem absurd to residents of other provinces, but it has a real impact on safety!
More than risk reduction
Anyone who has ever driven through a Canadian winter knows: conditions can be unforgiving. According to Transport Canada, snow, frost and storms are a factor in nearly 30% of collisions across the country every year. Getting winter tires, or better still, getting them early in the season, can therefore play an important role in day-to-day protection. According to SAAQ, the Société de l'assurance automobile du Québec, the implementation of the winter tire law in 2008 is overwhelming proof of this. In fact, the province saw a 40% reduction in winter-related road deaths.
Given these results, it's hard to understand why the practice isn't more widespread. The Prairie provinces and Ontario, in particular, could benefit from such regulations, not only because of their large urban centers, but also because of their low population density and large road networks.
When is the right time?
Many people associate the winter tire season with snow. While it's true that they are particularly effective on icy roads, they are also vital for driving in cold temperatures. Conventional rubber compounds are designed to be at their optimum texture in average conditions. They lose their effectiveness when the mercury drops below 10 degrees. I don't know about you, but here in Montreal, that's already the case! Even if we prefer to wait for snow, most regions will see their first centimetres fall well before December. So there's no better time than now to buy winter tires, if you haven't already.
