We don't usually get such substantial amounts of snow that it should be a serious problem.

But we do get a bit of snow sometimes. and it always seems to turn out to be a problem, at least for some folks - perhaps precisely because it's relatively rare for the ground to turn white out here on the "Wet Coast."

This could turn out to be one of those winters when we discover what it's like to live in much of the rest of Canada. So the next time you get in your car and see a little of the white stuff falling from the sky, try to think about your safety and the safety of those with whom you are planning to share the roads and highways.

Call it "snow etiquette," if you will. Let's start with starting your car: if you feel there's enough snow on the ground to cause a problem with driving, then don't start your car if you don't have to. Also, don't turn that key if your car is not equipped with tires appropriate to the road conditions. ie.: ordinary summer tires are not appropriate - in fact, are downright dangerous - for driving in snowy conditions.

And unless you are starting from inside the garage, you'll need to sweep the snow off your car - not just off the windshield, but off every window, so you can see everything you're supposed to be able to see while you're driving.

That means clearing the rear window, as well as all the side windows.

Don't just make sure you can see - make sure you can be seen: clean your headlights, tail lights, and signal lights.

When you are ready to turn that key and start your engine, take it easy. Snow and speed don't mix well.

Finally, watch out for the other guy - not everyone is as careful as you are, and in snow, you have even less control than usual over how other people's driving behaviour could impact you.