Road Conditions Top Concern
for Winter Driving

Canadian winters bring snow, ice and cold. But as long as the roads have been cleared and de-iced, most Canadians feel safe driving on them. This was the finding of a national survey commissioned by the Canada Safety Council.

• The Decima poll asked respondents to what extent they agreed with the statement, "I feel safe driving in winter as long as the roads are plowed, salted or sanded." Close to half (46 per cent) gave the top rating of 10 out of 10. The average was 8.4 out of 10.
• The quality of winter road maintenance received a good grade. Forty-four per cent of respondents rated the snow removal and ice control on their most frequently traveled roads 8 out of 10 or higher. The average rating overall was a respectable 6.9 out of 10.
• When asked what contributes to their feeling of safety on winter roads, a majority of drivers (56 per cent) mentioned factors related to the road (plowed, clear, salted, sanded, no ice). Quebecers and Atlantic Canadians mentioned road conditions most frequently (both around 63 per cent), British Columbians least frequently (42 per cent).

- Human factors such as driving skills, other drivers, speed, experience and drunk drivers were mentioned somewhat less frequently, by 41 per cent of respondents. Human factors rated highest among those who drive the most (300+ km per week). Regionally, British Columbians mentioned human factors most often (mentioned by 63 per cent), while the lowest mention was in Manitoba and Saskatchewan (31 per cent of respondents).

- Vehicle-related factors, including maintenance, tires and type of vehicle, were mentioned by 32 per cent of respondents nation-wide. About 39 per cent of Quebecers mentioned these factors, compared to only 25 per cent of British Columbians.

"It’s obvious Canadians place a very high value on having their roads cleared in winter," says Canada Safety Council president Emile Therien. "To the average winter driver, the number one safety issue is the condition of the roadway."

Authorities responsible for road maintenance have been sensitive to this, according to Therien. For instance, the Transportation Association of Canada, whose members include road maintenance agencies, is working on a salt management guide for winter road maintenance.

Therien points out that many drivers lack the defensive driving skills to deal with poor road conditions and unsafe actions by others. Extra caution is needed during winter weather, particularly when roads are slippery because they have not yet been plowed, salted or sanded. A 1992 study from Marquette University in Milwaukee found collisions were up to eight times more frequent before de-icing than after.

The Canada Safety Council estimates that 85 per cent of all collisions and related injuries relate in some way to driver behaviour. This includes impaired driving, speeding, running red lights, and non-use (or improper use) of seat belts or child restraints. However, roadway conditions are also critical.

Results of the Decima survey are based on telephone interviews conducted between May 1 and May 12, 1998, and are considered accurate within 3.1 percentage points 19 times out of 20.

Driver Demographics

• The youngest and oldest age groups drive the least. A significant number said they do not drive at all: 24 per cent of respondents aged 18 to 24 and 35 per cent of those 70 and over.
• The employed and self-employed drive the most. Of those employed full time, 59 per cent drive 300 km or more per week.

Roads Most Traveled

• Canada-wide, 75 per cent of respondents said they drive on city streets frequently. Over half (56 per cent) said they drive frequently on highways.
• Rural roads are least traveled - except in Atlantic Canada, where 65 per cent said they use rural roads frequently.

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