Winter driving tips from the OPP

Everyone knows winter weather is on its way, and that means returning to a winter-driving mindset. A leading cause of collisions in winter months is poor driving – not poor driving conditions – so here are a few reminders to help you get where you’re going safely:

•  Slow down and adjust your driving to the current road and weather conditions.
•  Allow extra time to travel to and from destinations.
•  Leave extra space between vehicles, since stopping distances are more than double on snow or ice-covered roads.
•  Stay alert, focus on the road and avoid sudden braking, accelerating or steering.
•  Engage your full set of headlights during the winter months. Note that your automatic daylight running lights do not engage your rear taillights, making it difficult for drivers behind you to see your vehicle in adverse weather.
•  Never stop on the roadway. If possible, park your vehicle well off the roadway and stay in it until rescuers arrive.

Before heading out, the OPP encourages motorists to use the MTO’s Ontario 511 and Traveller Information Services. They provide 24/7 and up-to-date road information on provincially maintained highways. For the latest traffic updates, follow @OPP_COMM_WR on Twitter and the 511 Ontario website at https://511on.ca/#:Alerts.