Expect changing conditions
Be especially cautious near freezing temperatures, on bridges, shaded sections and roads where meltwater can refreeze. Check road alerts before leaving. Tires help with traction, but the safest plan may be to delay travel when freezing rain or widespread ice is forecast.
Drive gently
Reduce speed before a suspect area, increase space and avoid sudden steering or hard acceleration. If grip is lost, focus on steering smoothly toward a safe path and follow your vehicle's braking-system guidance. Transport Canada advises leaving more distance and avoiding jerky movements in winter conditions.
Approaching a bridge
On a near-freezing morning, leave more distance well before a shaded bridge instead of waiting to see obvious ice. Avoid a sudden brake or steering correction on the bridge. If freezing rain is widespread, a different departure time may be the most effective safety choice.
Quick check
- Check freezing-rain alerts
- Increase following distance
- Avoid abrupt inputs
General educational content, reviewed September 28, 2026. Rules, availability and policy wording can change. Confirm current details with the linked authority or a licensed insurer or broker.