The New Brunswick Medical Society is pushing for the province to make winter tires mandatory.
Dr. Serge Melanson says recent statistics show many drivers are not using them.
“One out of five Atlantic Canadians are still not using winter tires these days,” Melanson said. “That’s with pretty good evidence demonstrating that they outperform all seasons when it comes to traction and cold in winter weather.”
Melanson, who is an emergency room doctor in Moncton, says he sees an increase in car crashes on slippery roads in winter weather.
“I often come across those who don’t use winter tires. They usually choose all seasons or just summer tires,” he said. “I would like to think if people are able to acquire some winter tires, they would probably reduce their chances of being in a motor vehicle accident when related to winter weather.”
Some provinces have already made winter tires mandatory, including Quebec.
In provinces like Ontario and Manitoba, an insurance discount is offered to those who install them on their vehicles.
