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Winter Driving
Here’s what you need to know about driving in winter road conditions:
STAY ALERT: Weather conditions can change quickly, placing extra demands on your vehicle and your driving skills. Keep your focus on the road and on other vehicles. Eliminate all distractions and make sure you are well rested.
SLOW DOWN: Always drive according to weather conditions. Keep a safe distance between you and the vehicle in front of you to avoid having to brake suddenly on a slippery surface.
STAY IN CONTROL: Make sure you know how to handle your vehicle in all weather conditions.
Remember to be Road-Ready and Weather-Wise
- Make sure your vehicle is winter ready. Keep a winter survival kit in your vehicle.
- Listen to the radio for road and weather updates and check conditions before leaving by calling 511.
- Plan extra time to get to your destination and consider delaying your trip in bad weather.
- Notify a friend or family member of your destination and anticipated arrival time.
- Watch for the flashing lights of winter maintenance vehicles.
- When approaching winter maintenance vehicles from behind, slow down, stay back and be patient. DO NOT PASS around or between them.
- Move over for emergency vehicles.
For more information about preparing for winter driving check out the following link from The Ministry of Transportation of Ontario. Topics include:
- Provincial Highway information
- Preparing your vehicle for winter
- Winter driving survivor kit
- Before heading out in winter conditions
- Winter driving – handling your vehicle
- Winter road conditions
- What to do in an emergency
- Snowplows
- Winter maintenance tools
- Emergency vehicles
- Highway closures
- Winter driving brochure