Early season snow in Ontario, Quebec leads to 220+ auto collisions. Who’s using winter tires?

A little more than three quarters (76%) of Canadian drivers say extreme winter weather events related to climate change make using winter tires important, says a new Probe Research survey commissioned by the Tire and Rubber Association of Canada (TRAC).

And 84% say driving a vehicle fitted with winter tires has saved them from an accident or loss of control. The online survey reached 1,069 Canadian drivers between October 6-11, 2025. 

“Most drivers who use winter tires tell us their winter tires have helped them avoid dangerous situations,” says Carol Hochu, president and CEO of TRAC. “It’s a powerful reminder that winter tires are an important safety investment. And even with rising living costs, more drivers recognize their value and understand that winter tires are essential for navigating Canadian winter safely…”

Shortly after the survey results were released, Ontario and Quebec got their first snowfalls of the year on Nov. 9.

In Ontario, Environment Canada reported snowfall amounts of between 7 cm and 16 cm, with the snow breaking early season accumulation records in Toronto and Ottawa.

Ontario police responded to about 220 crashes by Monday morning, and police received reports of another 120 vehicles stuck in the snow, OPP Sgt. Kerry Schmidt told Canadian Press.

Safety pointers

Allstate Canada issued a news release the day after the storm, noting many of the winter accidents the auto insurer sees happen when drivers follow another vehicle too closely when the roads are icy and slick.

“Rear-end crashes can stem from following too closely, busy urban traffic, sudden slowdowns, poor weather conditions, and more,” George Ljubicic, agency manager at Allstate Canada, said of the insurer’s research findings after the storm. “With the colder months ahead, drivers should be aware of the risks of slippery roads and maintain more space around their vehicle[s] to safely brake.

“Our data doesn’t just highlight the risks; it helps remind Canadians that prevention matters. Simple habits like installing winter tires, slowing down, and planning extra time for travel may help reduce the chances of a collision.”

Currently, winter tire use has reached 80% across Canada, a two percentage-point increase from 2024 and a 12 percentage-point increase during the last decade, TRAC’s research shows. 

Further, the association’s study finds 81% of drivers say winter tires are an important investment despite the rising cost of living. But current financial pressures are having an impact, with 32% of drivers now saying they’re less likely to buy winter tires due to cost concerns.  

There are also regional variations. Ninety five percent of drivers in Atlantic Canada make the changeover to winter tires, compared to 77% in Ontario, 70% in Alberta, Manitoba and Saskatchewan, and 64% in British Columbia. Quebec law makes winter tires mandatory. 

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Swapping treads

Among the reasons TRAC’s survey respondents cite for using winter tires, 70% say protecting their family is the top concern, followed by 33% pointing to provincial mandates, and 24% saying they get lower insurance premiums. Other reasons include advice from family and friends (18%), and advice from retailers (10%).  

Winter tires use softer tread compounds that retain elasticity in cold temperatures (anything below 7°C). This improves traction and shortens stopping distances on ice, slush and snow-covered roads.

Those opting out on winter tires have their reasons. Among TRAC’s survey respondents who reported not making the twice-yearly tire change, 75% insist their all-season tires are good enough. Another 25% say cost prevents them from swapping tires and another 24% say they don’t bother because they drive less during winter. 

“Education continues to play a vital role, as three quarters of drivers opting out of winter tires believe all-season tires can sufficiently handle winter conditions,” says Hochu. “The reality is that winter tires give drivers a clear safety advantage, better equipping them to handle the sudden and severe weather events we’re seeing more often.” 

Phil Porado

Phil, an award-winning journalist with over 30 years of experience in financial topics, has been managing editor of Canadian Underwriter for more than three years.