Monday, December 15, 2014
Ministry of Transportation
Winter is Here - Be Prepared, Plan Ahead: Ontario Government Reminding Drivers to Stay Safe
Ontario is reminding drivers to keep safe this winter with a few tips that will help both experienced and new drivers reach their destinations safely.
Today, at a Canadian Tire Service Centre in Vaughan, Minister of Transportation, Steven Del Duca joined various road safety partners in reminding everyone how to stay safe during the winter season.
Plan ahead - plan your route and check weather and road conditions before you head out. Give yourself extra time for travel or wait until conditions improve. Call 511 or visit ontario.ca/511 for current highway conditions.
Be prepared - get your vehicle ready with a maintenance check-up. Have a winter driving survival kit in your vehicle and always be sure to clear all snow and ice from all windows, mirrors, headlights and rear lights.
Drive Safe - stay alert, avoid distractions, slow down, and stay in control. Adjust your driving to current road and weather conditions. Keep a safe following distance between you and the vehicle ahead. If you see a working snow plow, stay back and give it plenty of room to do its job.
Quick Facts:
- About 1,000 snowplows and salt/sand spreaders are used to fight winter storms across 16,900 kilometres of provincial highway.
- Winter tires provide better traction, braking and handling during cold, snowy and icy conditions.
- Highways may close during severe weather – check the forecast before you travel.
- Snow plows begin working once two centimetres of snow has accumulated on the highway– stay back when you see a snow plow to let it do its job.
- Sand is used when salt becomes ineffective for melting ice and snow at temperatures below minus 12°C.
Learn More:
Quotes:
"Our top priority is to keep Ontario’s highways safe. Our winter maintenance standards are among the best in North America and I urge all drivers to do their part – prepare your vehicle for winter driving hazards, be aware of road and weather conditions, slow down and stay in control."
— Steven Del Duca, Minister of Transportation
"Ontario’s winters can be severe and unpredictable, making it challenging for drivers. Make sure you and your vehicle are prepared for changing weather and road conditions. Ensure safe winter driving by staying alert, slowing down, staying in control and using your full set of headlights every time you head out."
— OPP Deputy Commissioner Brad Blair, Provincial Commander of Traffic Safety and Operational Support
"The key to safe winter driving is to plan ahead and be prepared. To ensure the safety of you and your family, make your vehicle winter ready – pack a survival kit, plan your routes and always drive according to changing weather conditions."
— Brian Patterson, President & CEO, Ontario Safety League
"Canadian Tire is proud to help drivers prepare themselves and their vehicles for winter roads. With over 90 years of experience in Canadian winters, we understand the unique challenges that drivers face. We recommend drivers check the health of their battery, install four winter-rated tires? and keep their windows clear of snow and ice to help ensure safety on the roads."
— Mike Walsh, Vice President, Store & Auto Operations, Canadian Tire
Media Contacts:
Patrick Searle
Minister’s Office
416-327-1815
Bob Nichols
Communications Branch
416-327-1158
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