Winter tire usage on the rise in Canada, Survey

A new survey found that more Canadian drivers are adopting the use of winter tires, breaking previous record numbers.

The survey was conducted by Leger for the Tire and Rubber Association of Canada (TRAC)..

Outside Quebec (where winter tires are obligatory), 61% of Canadian drivers now use winter tires.

Winter tire use by region, according to the survey:

– 49% of British Columbia drivers now own winter tires, compared to 38% in 2014;

– Alberta’s usage rate is now 55% versus 45% in 2014;

– In Manitoba and Saskatchewan, usage has climbed 11 percentage points to 50%;

– 65% of Ontario drivers now use winter tires compared 56% in 2014;

– In Atlantic Canada, usage has risen eight percentage points to 81%. 

The survey also explains that among the 30% of drivers still not using winter tires, the belief that all-season tires provide sufficient traction (48%) and cost (23%) are the most common barriers to adopting winter tires.

TRAC is reporting that the factors driving winter tire usage include consumer education by industry and government and provincial financial incentives, such as Manitoba’s low interest winter tire financing program and Ontario’s mandatory auto insurance premium discount.

“Drivers adopting winter tires in record numbers is fabulous news because it means Canada’s roadways in winter are becoming significantly safer,” says Glenn Maidment, President of TRAC. “However, the fact that three-in-ten motorists still do not own winter tires poses a threat to all motorists. This is why outreach to educate drivers continues to be needed. Every motorist needs to know that today’s high-tech winter tires radically outperform all-seasons in all cold-weather driving conditions and offer potentially life-saving benefits.”

Agencies/Canadajournal

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