|
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Ontario Government Reminds Motorists To Drive Safely
During Winter Season
Safety Tips For Winter Driving
QUEEN'S PARK, ON, Feb. 24 /CNW/ - With the winter season well underway
motorists are reminded of the need to drive safely.
"We all need to adjust to weather and road conditions," Transportation
Minister Harinder Takhar says. "Driving in winter weather - snow,
ice, wet and cold - creates a great challenge for vehicles and drivers."
Each year, approximately 70,000 traffic collisions occur in the winter
months. The most common contributing factors in winter motor vehicle collisions
are:
- Loss of control (44.4%)
- Driving too fast for road conditions (36.1%)
- Following too closely (6.3%)
"We continue to urge drivers to respect the elements and adjust
their driving accordingly in severe winter weather. And when the weather
is really bad, don't drive if you don't have to," notes Chief Superintendent
Bill Grodzinski, Commander of the Ontario Provincial Police Highway Safety
Division.
The province uses the latest technology to make roads and highways safer
for winter driving. For example, pre-wetted salt is used to melt snow
and ice faster, and sensors monitor road and weather conditions so snow
removal equipment can be deployed as needed.
For tips on winter driving visit the ministry's website, a Driver and
Vehicle Licence Issuing Office, Publications Ontario, or a government
information centre. For truck drivers, information on how to safely share
the road with snow plows is available at truck inspection stations, through
the
Ontario Trucking Association and at government information centres.
For the most recent road conditions across Ontario, please call the Ministry
of Transportation's toll-free information line at 1-800-268-4686, or 416-235-4686
in the Greater Toronto Area.
Disponible en français
www.mto.gov.on.ca
Backgrounder
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
February 24, 2006
TIPS FOR SAFE WINTER DRIVING
The provincial government uses the most advanced winter maintenance
technologies and practices to keep Ontario's roads safe. Here's what you
can
do for a safer drive this winter:
Your Vehicle
- Ensure your vehicle is ready for winter with a maintenance check-up.
- Make sure you have the right tires for your driving conditions. If
you travel in areas that receive a lot of snow, consider installing
winter tires for better traction and control.
- If you are a resident of Northern Ontario, you can use studded tires
with lightweight studs anywhere in Ontario, from October 1 to April
30 inclusive. Follow manufacturers' recommendations for proper installation,
maintenance and operation.
Your Winter Safety Kit
- Stock your vehicle with windshield washer fluid, a snow brush, scraper,
starter cables, a lightweight shovel, gas line antifreeze, flares, a
tow chain or rope, and a container of sand or other traction aids.
- Carry basic tools such as a screwdriver, a tire gauge, a flashlight/emergency
light and extra fuses. Keep a tire jack and tire wrench in the vehicle
and ensure the spare tire is properly inflated.
- Carry a blanket, sleeping bag or extra heavy coat. Also include bottled
water, high-energy foods such as chocolate or granola bars, matches,
a candle and a small tin can.
When Driving
- Before leaving, clean all snow and ice from your vehicle, especially
windows, headlights and tail lights.
- See and be seen by turning on the full lighting system of your vehicle.
- Pay attention; focus on the task of driving.
- Give yourself enough stopping time; slow down and don't follow too
closely.
- Adjust your driving to weather and road conditions.
- Avoid sudden braking, accelerating or steering.
- Be aware of black ice, which occurs more often in shaded areas -
you can't always see it.
- Use extra caution on bridges and highway overpasses, which freeze
more quickly than the adjacent roadway and remain frozen longer than
other sections of road.
If You Get Stranded
- Stay calm and remain in your vehicle.
- Keep the windows open slightly for fresh air and run the engine sparingly.
- If you have a cell phone and are travelling in an area with cellular
service, dial (star)OPP to be connected to the nearest Ontario Provincial
Police communications centre.
- If you don't have a cell phone, put a "Call Police" sign
in the window to alert other drivers that you need help.
- Lighting a small candle inside your vehicle can warm the interior
by as much as 5 C.
If you are an inexperienced winter driver or need to brush up your skills,
consider taking a course that teaches advanced driving techniques.
|
Click
here or more information on Tourism
and Travel in Ontario North
of Toronto
Latest Ontario Travel & Tourism
News
|
