Are Canadians using winter tires more or less lately? Surprising answer, here
A study conducted by Leger for the Tire and Rubber Association of Canada has revealed that more Canadians than ever are using winter tires
A survey conducted by Leger for the Tire and Rubber Association of Canada has found that 78 per cent of Canadian drivers now hit the road with winter tires. That’s a 10 point increase from 2016.
“The survey found that here in Atlantic Canada, winter tire usage stands at 85 per cent, and that’s not shocking to me. The weather can change quickly here, you’ve got 30 cm of snow to contend with one day, the next day it all melts. Other parts of the country, however, are still adjusting and adapting to those extremes.”
“73 per cent are telling us that extreme weather events related to climate change have made winter tires more important than ever,” the Tire and Rubber Association of Canada's Michal Majernik tells The Weather Network.
In Canada, Quebec is only province that mandates winter tires.
SEE ALSO: Why the first snowfall of the season can catch drivers by surprise
“Ontario as well as Newfoundland and Labrador mandated insurance companies to provide discounts to people who use winter tires and also BC mandates winter tires on mountainous roads,” says Majernik.
The Weather Network spoke to drivers in Halifax who told us winter tires are a no brainer in this area.
“Driving down hills, we got steep hills here and when they get icy, they get bad so when I have my studded tires on, they save me,” said Halifax resident Nathan Stevens.
“I use them mainly for the traction,” says Greg Wilson who is also from Halifax. Wilson says his winter tires have saved him before.”
“It was a little wet on top of the snow and it’s a scary thing to happen when your heart goes in your throat when you hydroplane.”
That’s in line with drivers surveyed who do use winter tires with 79 per cent saying the tires did indeed save them from being involved in potentially hazardous driving situations.
WATCH BELOW: If you only have 2 winter tires, should they go on the back or front?
Header image courtesy of Getty Images/stock photo.
