February 3, 2023

Your probationary driver’s licence is still fresh off the press, and you’re just starting to explore your freedom on the road when winter starts to show up! Keep these tips in mind to drive carefully in the snow or on icy roads, from December to April. Take on winter in Quebec safely—without stressing too much.

Prepare your vehicle properly

Before you even hit the road, it is important to do a few checks on your car. These simple actions may seem obvious, but they help prevent complications on the road and can even prevent an accident.

• Check your windshield washer fluid level before you head out. Even experienced drivers use a lot of it during the winter. Keep one or two extra jugs in your trunk, just in case! Also make sure your wipers are in good condition. With snow and below-freezing temperatures, frost often forms and can block your wiper blades—and your visibility.
• Clear all the snow off your car before getting behind the wheel. This may seem obvious, but snow buildup—even on your roof or on the passenger side—can affect your visibility and be dangerous for other motorists. In fact, snow on the roof can lift in the wind and fall back onto the road or onto other road users.

For even more winter tips and preparation, see Intact Insurance’s article: How to prepare your vehicle for winter.

Learn to share the road

As a new driver, you still need to develop your reflexes to drive well in winter. That’s normal! You are still refining your technique and learning how to apply the rules of the Highway Safety Code. Take a deep breath and try to keep these tips in mind.

• Increase the distance between you and the car in front of you. Snow and ice on the road affect your braking. Avoid hard braking and instead alternate between pressing and releasing the brake pedal; this will give you better traction and help you avoid skidding or hitting the person in front of you. Also, allow more time to brake than usual.
• Try to drive in the tracks that are already formed instead of in fresh snow. Fresh snow is more slippery.
• Watch out for freezing rain; it can create black ice that is practically invisible on the road. Drive more slowly and avoid sudden movements that increase your chances of losing control of your vehicle.
• Keep your cellphone put away—it is the biggest distraction on the road. If you absolutely must use it to follow directions, make sure you comply with the Highway Safety Code.

Follow the rules when you encounter winter road maintenance vehicles

Whether it’s a salt truck or a snowplow, when these vehicles turn on their blue beacon, you must not pass them. It’s a little-known rule of the Highway Safety Code, but it is very important—especially in our Quebec winters. Waiting behind a vehicle at work can sometimes feel long, but they are there to keep you safe and maintain road conditions. Be patient and listen to your favourite song to pass the time.

Think about your auto insurance

As a new driver, it is also time to think about your insurance. It is mandatory by law. Your broker can help you choose coverage that fits your budget and your needs. They can explain, in clear terms, how auto insurance works from start to finish!

Use practical features

With Intact Insurance’s My Driving program, you also get a set of tools to assist you—whether it’s weather alerts to help you plan your trips, maintenance reminders to keep your car in good condition, or Collision Assistance in the event of an incident. This practical feature detects serious accidents in real time and arranges immediate help. You can quickly contact emergency services, share your location with loved ones so they do not worry, follow the Accident Location Guide if it is your first report, file your claim in the blink of an eye, and find nearby towing services if you do not already have roadside assistance. *

*Certain conditions apply. This article provides general information only. Please refer to your insurance contract, which prevails at all times.