Rush hour commuters make their way along highway 40 in Montreal on November 23, 2011. While some parts of the country have already been hit with a first blast of snow, now is the ideal time for everyone else to get ready for the coming challenges presented by winter driving, say experts. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Graham Hughes
Some winter driving tips from Transport Canada:
— Install four matching winter tires
— Pack an emergency kit, which can include an ice scraper and brush, shovel, booster cables, extra windshield washer fluid, a cloth or roll of paper towels, a blanket, extra clothing and footwear, food, a first aid kit, matches and a "survival" candle in a deep can, maps and a flashlight
— Learn and practice winter driving techniques
— Avoid using overdrive and cruise control on slippery roads
— Remove all snow from your vehicle
— Travel with a fully charged cellphone
