Province Reminding Drivers to Plan Ahead and Stay Safe
With winter quickly approaching, the province is reminding drivers to plan ahead and stay safe on the roads this season.
Get your vehicle winter-ready by getting a maintenance checkup and assembling your winter survival kit. Install four winter tires for better traction, braking and control and be sure to take advantage of the winter tire insurance discount.
To help drivers plan ahead, Track My Plow has been expanded to more parts of the province, and as part of the Winter Highway Maintenance Action Plan, drivers can find information online at Ontario 511, including roadside camera images. We also recommend always checking the weather forecast and road conditions before you travel.
When driving in winter weather, adjust your driving to suit the road and weather conditions. If visibility is poor, use your vehicle’s full lighting system. Remember that bridges, overpasses and shaded areas freeze first, so watch for parts of the road that look black and shiny — they may be icy. Drivers can expect to see snow plows and other winter maintenance equipment before, during and after a snowfall so be sure to stay well back and never pass a working snow plow.
Quick Facts
- Ontario’s roads are among the safest in North America. Winter fatal collisions across the province decreased by 52 per cent from 2002 to 2013.
- Winter tires that are in good condition can shorten braking distances by as much as 25 per cent.
- More than 1,000 snow plows and salt-sand spreaders are used to fight winter storms on provincial highways.
- To meet new service levels Ontario’s maintenance contractors have added 158 pieces of equipment since 2013/14.
Quotes
“We’re already seeing snow in parts of the province, which means that it’s time for everyone to start preparing for the winter driving season. Ontario has some of the safest roads in North America, and we’re committed to improving our winter maintenance operations now and for the future. Drivers can do their part to keep our roads safe by planning ahead, driving carefully in winter weather and staying well back from working snow plows.”
Steven Del Duca
Minister of Transportation
“Drivers are one of our most valued road safety partners and we are counting on them to help keep our roads safe this winter. Adjusting your speed to winter road conditions and driving defensively will go a long way in reducing the risk of being in a collision.”
OPP Deputy Commissioner Brad Blair
Provincial Commander, Traffic Safety and Operational Support
Source: Ontario.ca