2022-Jan-13
Some Tips and Tools for Winter Driving
Winter road conditions are here and the OPP want to remind drivers venturing out to adjust their driving habits and following these simple tips:
- Make sure your vehicle is roadworthy
- Clear all windows, mirrors and headlights of snow and frost
- Have extra supplies and blankets in case you break down
- Get snow tires (you may get an insurance break)
- Always tell someone where you are going
- Take extra care to watch out for pedestrians (pedestrians – make sure the driver sees you and remember it can take longer for vehicles to stop)
**Most importantly, please take your time and adjust your speed according to the road conditions. Speed limits are set for ideal road conditions and higher speeds in less than ideal conditions boost your chances of losing control.
Also be aware that due to last year’s COVID lockdowns many drivers were not on the roads and may have rusty winter driving skills this year so pay attention out there!
Sources for Current Weather and Road Condition Information
Weather and road reports are easily located on your mobile or hands free devices so you can make informed decisions about your route before you head out on the highway. Ontario 511 is a bilingual traveler information service provided by the Ministry of Transportation designed to help users plan their routes and travel safely and efficiently across the province of Ontario. This website and the free app make it easier to find information on public rest areas, the location of plows, construction and more. An instructional link on how to use the site to its full potential can be found here.
In conjunction with local radio and TV stations who contribute to social media feeds through their respective Twitter accounts, the following links will assist those who are looking for current driving information for cottage country:
- Simcoe County Road information
- District of Muskoka Winter maintenance information
- Facebook pages Barrie 411 and Muskoka 411
- OPP Central Region Communications Twitter page
Do you know what to do if you are involved in a collision? The OPP have everything you need to know here.