Snow tips from a Blizzard

It behoves someone with my last name to give winter tips to snow-bound Britain.

I see in the news that they have been suffering through icy temperatures and some fierce snowstorms. And while we in snowy Canada like to sneer at them and laugh when the country grinds to a halt over a dusting of snow, I think that’s unfair.

On Tuesday, we too had a little snow. Coincidentally, I decided to take the subway to Yonge and Eglinton from Yonge and Bloor. It was a nightmare. South of Bloor, the subway wasn’t operating – because the switches weren’t working.

It sure makes you wonder why we are building light rail, above ground, transportation for the future. This is a city that suffers the extremes of temperatures. We can’t have our entire transit system grinding to a halt every time it gets cold.

Meanwhile, for the Brits, some tips. First, if you don’t want to put snow tires on your car, at least make sure your tires aren’t over-inflated. That way, you’ll get a better grip.

When there is snow in the forecast, pull your windshield wipers off the windshield and point it out. That way, they won’t stick to the windshield or snap off when you start up the car.

Slow down, fill up with washer fluid and gas. And be sure to clear all the ice and snow off your car before you set off. If you can, of course, just stay home, open a bottle of wine and snuggle down on the couch!