In the driver’s seat: Ontario drivers like to be in control
When the weather outside is frightful, 67% of Ontarians prefer to be behind the wheel rather than in the passenger seat, even if that makes them nervous. Despite the fact that 88% of Ontario residents consider themselves to be good winter drivers, 53% admit they are more anxious driving in winter conditions according to the TD Insurance Winter Driving Poll.
“It’s not surprising that people want to be in the driver’s seat and, ultimately, in control in bad weather,” says Henry Blumenthal, Vice President and Chief Underwriter, TD Insurance. “Another way to get the upper hand on Mother Nature is to be prepared. Invest in snow tires and an emergency kit, and brush up on your skills with a winter driving course – you’ll save on your auto insurance premiums too.”
Taking their time
Ontario drivers prepare for winter conditions in a variety of ways. Ninety-two percent of respondents in Ontario said they drive slower in snowy or icy conditions, 86% give themselves extra time to get to their destination and 83% say they check the weather and road conditions before leaving. Six percent of Ontarians said they don’t do anything differently to prepare for winter driving.
Women in Ontario are better prepared for winter driving than men with 96% driving slower in snowy or icy conditions (compared to 87% of men) and 88% checking weather and road conditions before heading out (compared to 79% of men). Forty-nine percent of women have snow tires (vs. 40% of men).
Don’t drive so close to me
When asked about their winter driving pet peeves, 34% of Ontario respondents said their biggest annoyance is drivers who follow too closely, 29% said drivers who are going too fast and 25% said drivers who don’t brush the snow off their car. Interestingly, 5% said their pet peeve is drivers who are too slow.