Drive Safely This Winter Season
November 13, 2009 11:00 AM
Winter Driving Tips for Motorists
As Ontarians begin another Canadian winter, motorists need to take extra precautions and adjust their driving habits to cold, icy and snowy conditions.
The Ministry of Transportation's Winter Driving booklet provides driving tips for winter road conditions. For example, drivers should remember to:
- Plan ahead - make sure that your vehicle is "winter ready" with a maintenance check-up
- Keep your vehicle in good working order - be sure to keep your gas tank at least half full, top up your windshield fluid, and clear snow and ice from windows, lights, mirrors and roof
- Double your distance from the vehicle ahead - it takes longer to stop on slippery roads.
- Be visible - switch on the vehicle's full lighting system in poor weather or low light conditions. Do not rely on the vehicle's daytime running lights.
The booklet includes other tips on winter driving and information about technical improvements that are being made by the government to manage snow-covered and icy roads. Copies of the booklet can found online and at ServiceOntario centres.
Quick Facts
- Each year in Ontario, there are 60,000 traffic collisions during the winter months, many involving motorists who fail to adjust their driving habits to weather conditions.
- In Northern Ontario, residents and visitors staying less than 30 days (between October 1 and April 30) can legally use studded tires during the winter months to help with braking on slippery surfaces.
- Using winter tires in good condition provides better traction and handling and can shorten braking distances by as much as 25 per cent.
Learn More
Contacts
- Bob Nichols
Communications Branch
416-327-1158
Bob.Nichols@ontario.ca - David Salter
Minister's Office
647-222-5162
- Emna Dhahak
Communications Branch
416-327-9149
emna.dhahak@ontario.ca
Ministry of Transportation
ontario.ca/transportation