Winter driving safety should be taken seriously.
Constable Shawn Peever, of the Upper Ottawa Valley OPP, says that adopting safe winter driving habits can be improved by following three simple steps.
Peever says it’s important to stay alert, slow down and stay in control. Reducing your speed, keeping a safe distance and being able to see and be seen are essential. Peever states that putting the extra effort by cleaning off your head lights and signal lights is also important.
He also told us that drivers should watch out for temperature traps. These are traps that lead you to believe that road conditions are a certain way when they aren’t. He says that the sun could have melted part of the road while the other part could still be frozen which could be hazardous.
The following is a list of some recommended items to carry in your vehicle while driving in the winter:
- A charged cell phone in case of an emergency.
- An ice scraper, snow brush, a small shovel, sand, salt or other traction aid.
- Booster cables, road flares, fuel line anti-freeze, and tow rope.
- Extra clothing and footwear, a blanket, high energy non-perishable food, matches and a candle.
- Flashlight, small tool kit, first aid kit.
Weather and road conditions can change very quickly in a single day which is why Peever advises you to verify road conditions before your trip by calling 5-1-1.