With winter on its way and snow already falling in some areas, the province is asking drivers to help keep the roads safe.
Steven Del Duca, Ontario’s minister of transportation, joined Halton MPP Indira Naidoo-Harris and other road safety partners recently at a press conference in Milton, to offer up some valuable winter safety tips for drivers.
Del Duca says it’s important to get your vehicle a maintenance check-up before winter arrives, to always keep a survival kit in your vehicle, and to consider installing four winter tires for better traction, braking, and handling.
When travelling, choose your route ahead of time, check your local weather forecast and road conditions by caling 511, or checking @511Ontario on Twitter before heading out, and consider delaying the trip if the weather is bad.
Del Duca also suggests adjusting your driving to suit the current road and weather conditions, to slow down and stay in control, and to keep a safe distance from other vehicles, especially snowplows clearing the road.
The province is committed to keeping its roads among the safety in North America. This year, drivers can expect improved road-clearing measures, including the addition of new maintenance equipment where needed and the increased application of anti-icing liquids.
More than 1,000 snowplows and salt and sand spreaders are used to fight winter storms on provincial highways. Plowing begins as soon as two centimetres of snow hits the pavement.
As part of this year’s winter season, the province is also launching a Track My Plow pilot program for the areas of Simcoe and Owen Sound, which will give users information on the whereabouts of maintenance equipment, with future plans to expand throughout Ontario.
“Road safety is everyone’s responsbility,” says Chief Supt. Chuck Cox, commander of the OPP’s highway safety division. “You can help prevent collisions by adjusting your driving to winter conditions — slow down, leave space between you and other vehicles, and give yourself lots of time to reach your destination. And always be ready for road and weather conditions to change quickly.”
