Emergency PreparednessThunderbird Insurance Brokers Ltd.

Fall and Winter Driving

Published January 6, 2014 | By Thunderbird Insurance

We may not suffer the amount snow that the rest of Canada plows through each winter, but winter driving still requires care and caution.

Fall and Winter Driving

Before you hit the road here are some tips:

Prepare your vehicle for winter with a visit to your local mechanic
Ensure that your vehicle, tires and brakes are in good repair
Pack an emergency kit
Learn how to handle your vehicle if it hits black ice or starts to hydroplane.
Plan your trip and check road and weather conditions before leaving, be aware that you may be facing rain and snow depending on the trip
Give yourself extra travel time in bad weather
Travel with a fully charged cellphone
Avoid using cruise control on slippery roads.

It’s snowing… what do I do?

Ice, snow, slippery highways… driving in winter conditions can be both challenging and frustrating. Here are some helpful tips to keep you and your loved ones safer on the road.

Feeling uneasy about driving? You’re not alone. According to an ICBC survey, almost four in 10 of respondents feel less confident driving during the winter. In addition, seven in 10 feel less safe and frustrated by the actions of other drivers.

Staying off the road can sometimes be a less stressful and safer option.

Instead of driving, you may want to consider taking public transit if available, carpooling with a friend who’s a confident driver, taking a taxi or working from home.

If you’re feeling confident

If your vehicle is equipped for the weather and you’re feeling confident, remember to take extra precautions on the road.

Plan ahead and always check road and weather conditions on drivebc.ca before heading out.

Be sure to leave more following distance, slow down, and give yourself more time to get where you’re going. Speed limits are set for ideal conditions only.

And always take care, nothing is more important than arriving safely at your destination.

More fall and winter driving tips on safe driving from ICBC

Healthy Habits

Published January 6, 2014 | By Thunderbird Insurance

Get moving. Today’s sedentary lifestyle is not helping keep Victorians feeling their best.

Many people may not know that exercise does more for you than just help you lose weight or build muscle. Regular physical activity is a prescription for helping decrease stress; relieve depression, anxiety, heartburn and constipation; increase happiness; improve your love life and fitness level; and, prevent diabetes, heart disease, weight gain, osteoporosis and cancer. Some procedures like smas facelift brings the same glow to the face, as exercise does. Ask your medical professional about fighting diabetes without medication in case it’s needed.

Experts recommend that adults over the age of 18 need to be physically active 30-60 minutes, most days of the week, to stay healthy. Physical activity doesn’t need to be hard. Any effort you expend, especially if you are just starting out, will help. Even just a few minutes a day can improve your health and generate feelings of well-being. Every little bit counts.

Start small and build physical activities into your daily routine. Here’s a 10 minute plan to get things moving:

Park the car 10 minutes from where you are going
Dance to your favourite music for 10 minutes each day
Take the stairs instead of the escalator
Take a 10-minute stretching break at work – set a reminder alarm to help
Walk or bike to work
Get off the bus 10 minutes from where you work

Check out Health Canada’s Get Active Tip Sheet on how you and your family can take a step in the right direction. And don’t forget Healthy Eating as a foundation for the new you.