With yet more snow expected to fall on the area this weekend, police are urging people to drive safely, if they must be on the roads at all.
In a post on X, Central Region OPP offered the following tips:
- Slow down, stay alert and stay in control. These simple steps will go a long way in reducing the number of winter weather-related collisions on our roads.
- Before heading out, the OPP encourages motorists to use the Ministry of Transportation’s Ontario 511 and Traveller Information Service for 24/7 and up-to-date access to road information on provincially maintained highways.
- Check the current and forecast weather conditions and monitor the media for weather and road conditions.
- Carry a survival kit in your vehicle. For a description of a winter driving survival kit, visit mto.gov.on.ca/english/safety/winterdrive/winterdrive.shtml. Recommended items include a shovel, blanket, warm clothes, food, booster cables, flashlight, high-energy foods, matches and a candle.
- Dress for winter even though you will be in your car. Then you will be prepared if you become stranded.
- Carry a cellphone to contact emergency services if you experience trouble.
Police offered the following advice for people preparing their vehicles for winter driving:
- Make sure your windows are all clear of ice and snow before heading out.
- Fill up your windshield washer fluid, make sure the sprayers are working properly and have additional windshield washer fluid in your vehicle.
- Have an ice scraper or snow brush in your vehicle at all times to clear the snow and ice from all windows, mirrors, lights and roof.
- Keep your fuel tank at least half-full so you don’t run out of gas if stranded, and to prevent condensation in your fuel tank.
Police had the following to say about driving habits:
- Make it a habit of allowing extra time to travel to and from destinations.
- Slow down and adjust your driving to the current road and weather conditions and leave extra space between vehicles as stopping distances are more than double on snow- or ice-covered roads.
- Make it a habit of using your full set of headlights during the winter months; daylight running lights do not engage your rear taillights, making it difficult for drivers behind you to see your vehicle.
- Stay alert, focus on the road and avoid sudden braking, accelerating or steering.
