While Chatham-Kent avoided the worst of a wintery storm passing across much of southern Ontario today, motorists are being reminded to brush off their winter driving skills.
Provincial Police say we all know winter is on its way, but that doesn’t seem to stop some from thinking they don’t need to change their habits behind the wheel.
- 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; daylight running lights do not engage your rear taillights, making it difficult for drivers behind you to see your vehicle.
- 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 MTO’s Ontario 511 and Traveller Information Service for 24/7 and up-to-date access to road information on provincially maintained highways.
Authorities say the leading cause of collisions in the colder months is due to poor driving, not poor conditions.
