Be Prepared For Winter Driving
December 7, 2010
McGuinty Government Reminds Ontarians to Drive Safely
Ontario drivers can help keep the roads safer this winter by planning ahead and following some simple tips for winter driving.
Plan ahead:
- Get a winter maintenance check-up
- Have your tires checked and make sure you have the right tires
- Make sure you have enough windshield washer fluid
- Check that your daytime running lights and full lighting system are working
- Clear snow and ice from all windows, lights, mirrors and the roof
- Keep a winter survival kit in your vehicle should you become stranded.
When you are driving:
- Drive for the conditions and don’t follow too closely
- Stay well back and never pass a snowplow
- Avoid sudden braking, accelerating or steering
- See and be seen by driving with your headlights on
- Pay attention and focus on driving – save your electronic devices for off the road
- Use extra caution on bridges which freeze more quickly than other sections of the road
- Know how to handle a skid.
QUICK FACTS
- Ontarians are about 20 per cent more likely to be involved in a collision during the winter season than in summer
- Each year, approximately 70,000 collisions occur in the winter months.
- Each year, about 120 snowplows are involved in collisions with motor vehicles.
