By Goodyear Canada

TORONTO, Nov. – Bosses, spouses, financial advisors and local politicians take note: many Canadians say their local weather reporter is just as influential as you, according to a new poll sponsored by Goodyear Canada. The poll reveals that almost 8 in 10 (76 per cent) of us check our local weather report at least once a day – a preoccupation that may translate into serious anxiety behind the wheel, come winter.

“While our national obsession with weather has always been a humorous cliché, most Canadians would say that winter driving is no joke,” said Gus Liotta of Goodyear Canada. “As the temperature goes down, our anxiety level behind the wheel seems to go in the opposite direction.”

Weather Obsessed
Canadians pay close attention to the weather, and those who make the predictions:

* 76 per cent check their local weather report at least once a day
* 70 per cent pay more attention to their local weather reporter vs. their mayor
* 44 per cent pay more attention to their local weather reporter vs. their financial advisor
* 31 per cent pay more attention to their local weather reporter vs. their boss
* 22 per cent pay more attention to their local weather reporter vs. their significant other

Weather Stressed
For many of us, white stuff falling from the sky means white knuckles wrapped around the wheel:

* 62 per cent are anxious when driving/being a passenger in winter weather conditions
* 72 per cent would rather be the driver than a passenger while driving in winter weather conditions
* 60 per cent stay at home or leave early based on a bad weather report

“While increased caution in winter conditions is a good thing, drivers can reduce their anxiety by being prepared, starting with winter tires,” says Liotta. “Just as few Canadians would play ice hockey without skates, no drivers should hit snowy roads without winter tires.”

Battle of the Sexes
When it comes to planning their day and winter driving, men are from the Planet Macho

* Half of all males (50 per cent) say winter doesn’t slow them down and a severe weather report makes no difference, whereas just three in ten (29 per cent) females are as self-assured.
* Similarly, while more than a quarter of all females (28 per cent) will cancel plans and stay home due to poor weather conditions, just 12 per cent of males are as cautious.
* When the weather gets bad, 86 percent of males would rather be the driver than a passenger, but fewer than six in ten (59 per cent) of females would prefer to drive.
* 87 per cent of men think they are safer drivers than most others on the road, versus 78 per cent of women who make the same claim.

Goodyear’s Winter driving tips:
- Drive for the Conditions
Despite the additional traction provided by winter tires, motorists should continue to take a defensive, careful approach to driving in winter conditions.

- Tire Inflation
Check tire pressure once a month; more often during the winter. As the temperature drops, so does the pressure in tires.

- Check Your Tire Treads
Inspect the tread wear indicator bar that’s molded into your tires. The bars are located at the bottoms of the tread grooves in several locations around the tire.

- Winterize your car
Add the proper amount of antifreeze to the engine coolant. It will protect your car against freezing and corrosion. Check the battery to make sure you have ample power for cold winter starts.