Winter has settled in across Manitoba, bringing with it the usual mix of snow-covered highways, icy intersections, and shorter days. However, each winter brings new challenges, and this year’s early forecasts indicate rapid freeze–thaw cycles and unpredictable storm patterns, conditions that can catch even experienced drivers off guard.
For workers who drive as part of their job, winter is a season that requires extra preparation, awareness, and patience. This is the ideal time for employers to check in with their teams, reinforce expectations, and ensure vehicles and drivers are ready for the months ahead.
A Season of Changing Road Conditions
The transition into winter is always the most dangerous. Roads can shift from clear to icy within minutes, especially on bridges, overpasses, and rural routes. Drivers may not yet be fully re-adjusted to winter habits, and early-season maintenance issues often begin to surface.
Encourage workers to approach every winter trip with fresh caution. For real-time updates, drivers should check Manitoba 511 before travel.
Vehicle Readiness Matters
A reliable vehicle is a critical part of winter safety. Taking steps now can prevent breakdowns, delays, or more serious incidents in the future.
A quick early-season checklist includes:
- Winter tires installed and properly inflated, especially as cold weather lowers PSI (Transport Canada winter tire guidance)
- A well-stocked emergency kit, including warm clothing, a shovel, an ice scraper, a flashlight, and a phone charger (CAA Manitoba’s kit list)
- Working wipers, lights, and defrost systems, which are essential for visibility
- A battery in good condition, tested to see if it’s more than a few years old
These small preparations go a long way in ensuring workers can stay safe if conditions worsen.
Planning the Drive
Good planning can significantly reduce risk. Before heading out, workers should:
- Check highway conditions using Manitoba 511
- Review weather alerts from Environment Canada
- Give themselves extra time to reach their destination
- Fully clear snow and ice from the vehicle - windows, mirrors, lights, roof, and hood
Visibility and timing are two of the most significant factors in ensuring safer winter driving. For additional winter driving guidance, workers can visit: Manitoba Public Insurance - Winter Driving Safety
Driving with Winter Conditions in Mind
Once on the road, winter demands slower, smoother, and more deliberate driving.
Key reminders include:
- Increase the following distance to allow more reaction time
- Avoid cruise control in slippery conditions
- Accelerate, turn, and brake gently to maintain control
- Stay alert - winter driving requires full attention
It’s also important to avoid driving while overly tired. Fatigue slows reaction time and reduces awareness, particularly in low-visibility conditions.
Employer Responsibilities
Employers can significantly impact winter driving safety by fostering a culture that prioritizes preparation and effective communication.
Consider:
- Hosting a winter driving safety talk or toolbox meeting – SAFE Work Manitoba’s SAFE Driving at Work resources are excellent
- Implementing or revisiting check-in systems for employees who travel between sites
- Encouraging early reporting of vehicle issues
- Establishing clear expectations for when travel should be delayed or cancelled due to weather
For broader employer-focused guidance, the Canadian Centre for Occupational Health and Safety (CCOHS) provides winter driving information here.
Staying Safe All Season
Winter driving doesn’t have to be hazardous when the right habits, preparation, and communication are in place. By taking a few intentional steps at the start of the season, employers and workers can better navigate changing conditions and keep safety at the forefront.
Stay prepared, stay aware, and drive safely this winter.
