Winnipeg winter driving can be unpredictable. When roads and visibility are compromised due to bad weather, even routine trips carry added risk—for you, for others on the road, and for the shared vehicles we all rely on. For this reason, we’ve developed policies to support members in navigating severe winter weather.
Winter Weather and Cancellations
If Environment Canada issues an orange or red winter weather warning (think blizzard, ice storm, or blowing snow), Peg City Car Co-op will always waive cancellation fees.
We may also waive fees during yellow warnings, depending on highway closures and the intended use of the booking. Call us to talk it through if you’re feeling unsure.
Since cold alone doesn’t typically affect road conditions, it’s important to note that we do not waive cancellation fees for cold temperatures.
To cancel your booking during an orange or red warning, start by cancelling in the app. Next, forward the cancellation email to us with the heading “Winter Weather Cancellation.” A member of our team will reverse any associated fees.
Choosing to drive in poor conditions means taking on additional responsibility. We encourage you to honestly assess your comfort level and winter-driving experience before heading out.
The following tips can help reduce risk when driving in inclement weather.
Tips for Driving in Bad Weather
- Slow down. Posted speed limits are for ideal conditions. In poor visibility or on slippery roads, reducing your speed by 15–20 km/h (or more) may be necessary.
- Leave extra space. Aim to stay five or six seconds behind the vehicle ahead of you. Pick a fixed object and count the seconds it takes to pass it after the car ahead.
- Be predictable. Avoid abrupt lane changes. Signal early and move gradually so other drivers can anticipate your actions.
- Brake gently. Slamming on the brakes on icy roads can cause you to lose control. Apply steady, gradual pressure and allow more distance to stop.
- Be aware. Scanning your surroundings becomes especially important during bad weather.
- Check your mirrors every 5-8 seconds.
- Scan for people driving too closely, having trouble stopping, or creeping from parking lots with poor visibility.
- Pay special attention when approaching intersections, where risk is higher.
- Don’t rush. Give yourself extra time. You can extend your FIX booking directly in the app, or call us if you’re having trouble.
Taking it slow may feel inconvenient, but it costs far less time, stress, and impact than an unexpected collision.
If You’ve Been in a Collision
Please take the following steps:
- Check for safety. Ensure everyone is alright. If someone has been injured, call the police. Avoid moving vehicles unless it’s necessary for safety.
- Contact Peg City Car Co-op. Call us as soon as you can. Our team will ask a few questions to understand what happened. We’ll guide you through what to do next.
- Take photos. Photograph the damage to all vehicles involved, the other vehicle’s licence plate, and the other driver’s licence. We’ll need these to complete your report.
- Collect witness information. Witnesses must be independent (not passengers in either vehicle). If someone saw the collision, ask for their name, phone number, and email address.
- Complete an incident report. A paper copy is in the glove box. Please fill it out as soon as possible and email it to us.
Consequences of an At-Fault Collision
Reducing at-fault collisions benefits everyone. Collisions lead to fleet downtime and increased costs for you and the co-op.
A damage fee will be applied to your account after an at-fault collision, based on your licence status and your account’s damage protection plan. This fee can range from $0 to $1,500.
When at-fault collisions result in higher-cost repairs, you may be required to pay an additional $500 deposit to continue using the service. We may also increase damage event fees for future collisions.
The Upside of Caution
We understand that these consequences can feel heavy. No one wants to be in a collision, and we know these incidents are unintentional. Cautious driving that fits your comfort and knowledge level helps ensure that Peg City Car Co-op remains accessible and affordable for everyone. We’d rather you cancel than feel pressured to drive in bad weather. And remember, there’s no penalty for cancelling when Environment Canada issues an orange or red winter weather warning.
