2021-Jan-26
Winter Driving: Some Tips and Tools
Winter road conditions are back! And while we are supposed to travel for essential reasons only, the OPP reminds drivers who must venture out to adjust their driving habits. Make sure your vehicle is roadworthy and clear all windows and headlights of snow and frost. Have extra supplies and blankets in case you break down. Get snow tires (you may get an insurance break). Always tell someone where you are going and take extra care to watch out for pedestrians. Pedestrians, take extra care crossing a road – make sure the driver sees you and remember it can take longer for the vehicle to stop. Most importantly, everyone please take your time.
The OPP would like to remind motorists that weather and road reports are easily located on your mobile or hands free devices so you can make informed decisions about your route before you head out on the highway. Ontario 511 is a bilingual traveler information service provided by the Ministry of Transportation designed to help users plan their routes and travel safely and efficiently across the province of Ontario. This website and the free app make it easier to find information on public rest areas, the location of plows, construction and more. An instructional link on how to use the site to its full potential can be found here.
In conjunction with local radio and TV stations who contribute to social media feeds through their respective Twitter accounts, the following links will assist those who are looking for current driving information when it is safe and lawful to do so:
Simcoe County Road information
District of Muskoka Winter maintenance information
Facebook pages Barrie 411 and Muskoka 411
OPP Central Region Communications Twitter page
Do you know what to do if you are involved in a collision? The OPP have everything you need to know here.