37% of Canadian Drivers Say COVID-19 Will Restrict Their Driving in Winter | The Canadian News

A recent survey shows that the influence of the COVID-19 pandemic on winter driving has decreased, but is still significant and driver education on winter tires remains essential.

According to the Tire and Rubber Assocation of Canada (TRAC) study conducted by Leger, 37 percent of Canadian drivers say COVID-19 will continue to restrict their driving in winter compared to last year’s data, when the study found that 65 percent of drivers drove less. in winter due to the pandemic.

“The findings from this year’s winter tire study are great news for winter road safety,” said Carol Hochu, TRAC president and CEO.

“Our survey found that the majority of Canadian drivers have a deep understanding of the superior handling and stopping power of winter tires. Two-thirds of drivers who travel with winter tires cite family protection as their main reason for investing in winter tires. “

The TRAC study says that drivers 55 and older limit their winter driving due to COVID-19 and 26 percent intend to return to pre-COVID levels.

In response to the survey results, CAA Saskatchewan says there is no question that people drove less during the pandemic, especially during the winter.

“We saw a slight decrease in incidents along the way, not dramatic, but probably a 10 to 15 percent decrease in our calls for assistance along the way,” said Scott McIntyre, vice president of CAA Saskatchewan.

McIntyre said there is an adoption of winter tires in some Canadian provinces that have required winter tires. He said that those who do not buy winter tires mention the cost.

“It’s a fair point for many, but people have to remember that they only use those tires half the year to make them last twice as long,” he said.

TRAC’s 2021 Winter Tire Survey shows that 50 percent of Saskatchewan drivers use winter tires to avoid loss of control or collisions. According to the study, 47 percent of Saskatchewan motorists do not use winter tires.

Winter tire laws, lower auto insurance premiums, and fuel economy were other common motivators. The not-so-good news is that almost a third of motorists outside of Quebec who choose not to use winter tires still do not understand that the superior traction and stopping power of winter tires is essential for safe winter driving. Hochu said.

“Consumer education is very much needed to encourage a higher level of winter tire adoption.”

the The full results of the survey can be viewed on the TRAC website..

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