Key Takeaways:
- Canada’s 10 most dangerous winter roadways have been identified by Samsara, an American company that provides artificial intelligence-powered hardware and software to manage physical operations.
- The top 10 list includes roads in Ontario, British Columbia, and Alberta, with Erieau Road in Ontario being the most dangerous.
- Winter is the most dangerous season for driving, with 37% of crashes occurring during this time.
- The late afternoon refreeze window (4 p.m. to 8 p.m.) is the most dangerous time to drive, with 24% of crashes happening during this period.
- Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) can help prevent crashes, but future solutions may include AI-powered dash cams and telematics to detect distractions and aggressive driving.
Introduction to Winter Driving Dangers
A great man once said, “The most dangerous road is the one you’re on.” While this phrase may seem like a simple bumper sticker philosophy, it holds some truth. Winter driving can be particularly hazardous, with 37% of crashes occurring during this season. To help drivers navigate these dangers, Samsara, an American company, has released a study identifying Canada’s 10 most dangerous winter roadways. The study analyzed thousands of crash coordinates and discovered clear patterns of elevated winter danger in specific geographic hotspots.
Canada’s Most Dangerous Winter Roadways
The top 10 list includes roads in Ontario, British Columbia, and Alberta. Erieau Road in Ontario takes the top spot, followed closely by the Trans-Canada Highway at Rogers Pass in British Columbia. Other notable mentions include the Trans-Canada Highway in Banff-Lake Louise, the Yellowhead Highway in Jasper-Hinton, and Highway 401 in Toronto. These roads are particularly hazardous due to a combination of factors such as weather, terrain, traffic mix, and wildlife movement. For example, Erieau Road is prone to heavy lake-effect snowfalls, while the Trans-Canada Highway at Rogers Pass is known for its steep grades and exposure to wind.
Factors Contributing to Winter Driving Dangers
Samsara’s researchers found that primary national corridors like the 401, QEW, and Trans-Canada Highway have structural or environmental challenges such as complex interchanges, steep grades, elevated sections, or exposure to wind and rapidly changing temperatures. These factors create conditions where the likelihood of an incident is higher during winter, regardless of the number of vehicles on the road. Additionally, some thoroughfares, like Highway 17, are critical connectors between hubs, leaving drivers with no alternative routes in severe weather. The combination of these factors contributes to the elevated winter danger on these roads.
Patterns of Winter Driving Dangers
The study revealed several patterns of winter driving dangers, including the afternoon-to-evening refreeze window. This period, between 4 p.m. and 8 p.m., is the most dangerous time to drive, with 24% of crashes happening during this time. The late afternoon refreeze window is consistently the most dangerous time to drive, as pavement temperatures drop rapidly and black ice can form. Another pattern is the "Ramp Up to Christmas," where collision rates almost double between December 22 and 24, as pre-holiday travel, trucking, and early-evening refreeze collude to cause havoc.
Future Solutions for Winter Driving Safety
Most consumer vehicles come with Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS), which can help prevent crashes. However, future solutions may include AI-powered dash cams and telematics to detect distractions like phone use or drowsiness, or aggressive driving like hard braking and tailgating. These systems can provide instant, in-cab audio alerts to self-correct before the situation becomes critical. The goal is to get ahead of the "risk curve" and prevent crashes before they happen. By leveraging these technologies, drivers can stay safe on the roads, even on the most hazardous winter days.
Conclusion
In conclusion, winter driving can be hazardous, but by being aware of the most dangerous roads and patterns of winter driving dangers, drivers can take steps to stay safe. The study by Samsara provides valuable insights into the factors contributing to winter driving dangers and highlights the importance of being vigilant and cautious on the roads. As Sergeant Phil Esterhaus once said, "Let’s be careful out there." By following safe driving practices and staying informed, drivers can reduce their risk of being involved in a crash and arrive at their destination safely.
