January: Winter Driving

It's an unavoidable fact, we live in a Winter climate. Driving in Winter can be treacherous, especially when road conditions are snowy or icy.

If possible, avoid driving in really bad conditions. If you have to drive, plan ahead and give yourself extra time to get to your destination.

Follow these key tips when you're driving this winter:

1. Prepare your vehicle for winter driving
   - Winter tires provide greater traction under snowy or icy conditions.
   - Keep a snow brush/scraper in your car, along with possible emergency items such as a lightweight shovel, battery jumper cables, and a flashlight.
   - Make sure that mirrors, all windows, and the top of your vehicle, are free of snow or frost before getting onto the road.
2. Drive slowly
   Driving too quickly is the main cause of winter collisions. Be sure to drive slowly and carefully on snow and ice covered roads. Don’t make any abrupt turns or stops when driving. 
3. Don’t tailgate
   Tailgating becomes much worse in winter weather. Stopping takes much longer on snowy and icy roads than on dry pavement, so be sure to leave enough room between your vehicle and the one in front of you.
4. Lights On
   Turn on your lights to increase your visibility to other motorists.
5. Pay attention
   Manoeuvres are more difficult to make in the snow. Give yourself lots of room for turns and stopping. 
   Be observant - with grey, snowy afternoons and dark evenings, extra vigilance is needed when on the lookout for pedestrians or cyclists as they will be less visible.

For more winter driving tips visit the Canada Safety Council.

February: Keep your Distance

Keep Your Distance when driving. 

Be sure to leave enough space between you and the vehicle ahead of you. Following too close, or Tailgating, puts you at risk of a collision.

In winter weather conditions, it takes vehicles longer to stop, so be sure to give yourself extra time, leave extra space between you and vehicle ahead of you, and slow down.

Leave room for plows - Give snow plows plenty of space! When approaching a plow from behind, slow down, stay back and be patient.
NEVER pass a snow plow! It is extremely dangerous and could result in a severe or even fatal collision.

For more information download the MTO Winter Safe Driving Booklet.