TORONTO—A recent survey by the Tire and Rubber Association of Canada claims that 78 percent of Canadian drivers use winter tires, up from 68 percent eight years ago. With climate change affecting Canada's already intense winters, preparing for driving in adverse conditions is more crucial than ever before, TRAC said.
That same survey found that 73 percent of Canadian motorists believe that the country's changing climate has made these tires more valuable. Additionally, 79 percent of drivers across Canada believe that their winter tires saved them from a potential accident.
TRAC President and CEO Carol Hochu said that the changing weather patterns are a "serious concern for Canadian drivers." Even in the face of cost-of-living increases in North America, sales of winter tires are going up across Canada.
"We all see the impact of climate change and the increasing frequency of sudden and severe winter weather events," Hochu said. "The good news is that the number of drivers investing in winter tires climbed over the last decade, and they are better prepared for winter motoring."
Still, the survey reveals that 22 percent of drivers in Canada do not use winter tires. In an effort to make the roads safer across the country, TRAC is attempting to raise further awareness on both the climate crisis and the importance of using winter tires.
"As one in five drivers still opts out of using winter tires, educating consumers remains essential, and greater adoption of winter tires is crucial for making our roads safer for everyone," Hochu said.
