Winter road conditions are here and that means adjusting your driving habits to match the conditions. This short OPP video and the tip list below will help you get where you’re going safely this winter.
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Tips for Hitting the Road this Winter
Clear all windows, mirrors, headlights and your roof of snow and ice – this will assist with visibility and help avoid having ice and debris falling off your vehicle- Get snow tires – having winter tires can improve traction in frost, snow and icy conditions and shorten the braking distance of your vehicle (you may get an insurance break!)
- Turn off the cruise control on wet, snowy, or icy pavement – cruise control can reduce your reaction time and vehicle control
- Remember to give other vehicles extra room – it can take vehicles longer to stop in slippery conditions
- Plan ahead and check the weather forecast before heading out – if there are adverse weather conditions, delay your trip if possible
- Always tell someone where you are going
- Make sure your vehicle has a winter survival kit that includes warm clothing, a shovel, booster cables, high energy foods, flashlight, matches and a candle– GBA has tips on how to assemble a winter survival kit for your vehicle here
**Most importantly, please take your time and adjust your speed according to the road conditions. Speed limits are set for ideal road conditions and higher speeds in less than ideal conditions boost your chances of losing control.
Download our printable winter driving tips here.
Sources for Current Weather and Road Condition Information
Weather and road reports are easily located on your mobile phone 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.
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 for cottage country:
- Ontario 511
- Simcoe County Road information
- District of Muskoka Winter maintenance information
- Facebook pages Barrie 411 and Muskoka 411
- OPP Central Region Communications X (formerly Twitter) feed
Do you know what to do if you are involved in a collision?
The OPP have everything you need to know here.
If you are low on fuel, and still moving, seriously consider finding a safe place to park until you are able to safely get to a gas station or someone can safely bring fuel to you. Anyone who finds themselves stranded is advised to stay with their vehicle and not venture out on foot. Pedestrians could become lost, or face hazards posed by snow removal equipment. GBA has more on what to do if you are stranded in your vehicle here.
If its life-threatening call 9-1-1. For anything else call the non-emergency number 1-888-310-1122. At times – like a major snowstorm – the Communications Centres can be flooded with calls, so please be patient and ensure the 9-1-1 lines are used only for life-threatening matters.
Download our Winter Driving Cheat Sheet, packed with expert tips and essential checklists to keep you safe on the roads this winter!