For provincial highway condition information, call:
TRAVELLERS' ROAD INFORMATION
1-800-268-4686
Local GTA: 416-235-4686
Provincial TTY: Niagara Region TTY:
1-866-471-8929 905-704-2426
This information is also available in the blue pages of your telephone directory OR on the Internet:
http://www.mto.gov.on.ca/english/traveller/index.html
ISBN 0-7794-2217-1 © Queen's Printer for Ontario, 2007
Driving and Winter
Stay alert, slow down and stay in control — the three key elements of safe winter driving. Drive according to highway and weather conditions. Keep a safe distance between you and the vehic>le in front of you. Avoid situations where you may have to brake suddenly on a slippery surface.
Be Prepared — Driver's Checklist
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Get your vehicle winter-ready with a maintenance check-up. Don't wait for winter to have your battery, belts hoses, radiator, oil, lights, brakes, exhaust system, heater/defroster, wipers, and ignition system checked.
The condition of your vehicle's tires is important. Worn and damaged tires can hamper your ability to drive safely. Have them checked or replaced before winter begins. Remember to check tire air pressure frequently, as it decreases in cold weather.
While regular or "all-season" tires, including wide and high-performance tires, may be adequate in some areas, they may not be suitable for driving in the snowbelt regions of southern Ontario and throughout the north. If you live and drive in these areas, consider using winter tires. They improve driving safety by providing better traction, braking and handling during frost, snow, slush, and particularly under icy conditions. Installing four winter tires provides greater control and stability. Never mix tires of different tread, size and construction. Also, consider adding traction control and stability control options when purchasing your next vehicle.
Check weather and travel conditions before heading out. Don't take chances if the weather is bad. Allow yourself extra time for travel, or wait until conditions improve. Visit the ministry's Travellers' Road Information web site at:
http://www.mto.gov.on.ca/english/traveller/conditions/index.html
or call the Ministry of Transportation Travellers' Information number for local highway conditions: 1-800-268-4686. This number is also listed in your local phone directory. The Weather Network is also updated regularly with current highway conditions.
If you are travelling a long distance, plan your route ahead of time. Let someone know of your destination and expected time of arrival.
Wear comfortable clothing that doesn't restrict your movement while at the wheel. Keep warm clothing for getting out of your vehicle.
Clear snow and ice from all windows, lights, mirrors, and the roof. After starting your vehicle, wait for the fog to clear from the interior of the windows so you will have good visibility all around.
Keep a winter survival kit in your vehicle. Having essential supplies can provide some comfort and safety for you and your passengers should you become stranded.
Play it safe!
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Make sure your vehicle is mechanically ready for the rigours of winter and keep your fuel tank sufficiently full — at least half a tank is recommended.
Make sure you have sufficient windshield washer fluid in the reservoir and that it is rated in the -40°C temperature range. Keep an extra jug in the vehicle.
If you are in an area with cell phone service and have a cell phone, use it only when necessary. When you need help, pull well off the road to make or receive a call. Remember, dialing 911 on your cell phone will connect you with the emergency services contact centre in the area. Please use 1-888-310-1122 for non-emergencies.
If you experience car trouble on an Ontario provincial highway we recommend that you stay in your vehicle to avoid personal injury.
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PLAY
IT SAFE! |
On The Road
| Turn on Your vehicle's full lighting system in poor visibility |
Visibility
It is critical for drivers to see and be seen in low light conditions, and when blowing snow and white-outs impair visibility. Whenever visibility is poor, turn on the vehicle's full lighting system.
Spacing
It takes longer to stop on a slippery road. It's important to leave plenty of space between you and the vehicle ahead. A guide to safe spacing under normal driving conditions is the two-second rule. In winter, and especially during poor weather conditions, double the two-second rule.
Two second rule:
- Pick a marker on the road ahead, such as a road sign or telephone pole.
- When the rear of the vehicle ahead passes the marker, count "one thousand and one, one thousand and two."
- When the front of your vehicle reaches the marker, stop counting. If you reach the marker before you count "one thousand and two," you are following too closely.
In winter, and especially during poor weather conditions, double the two-second rule.
Braking
Make sure you know how to use your braking system in all weather and road conditions. Consider taking an advanced driving course that teaches emergency driving skills.
How To Regain Control Of Your Vehicle In A Skid
A skid happens when your wheels slide out of control on a slippery surface. Skids can involve the front, rear, or all four wheels. Most skids result from driving too fast for road or traffic conditions. Sudden, hard braking, going too fast around a corner or accelerating too quickly can cause your vehicle to skid and even roll over.
Once in a skid, steer in the direction of the skid. To do this, look where you want your vehicle to go and steer toward that spot. Be careful not to oversteer. If you are on ice and skidding in a straight line, step on the clutch or shift to neutral.
Your vehicle may have Threshold Brakes or Anti-lock Brakes. To find out how to regain control of your vehicle in a skid using either braking systems, visit the Driver's Handbook Online at:
www.mto.gov.on.ca/english/dandv/driver/handbook/section2.11.6.shtmlRemember: It takes vehicles longer to stop in winter weather conditions and driving downhill.
Stay alert, slow down and stay in control. |
Be Prepared
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To ensure you are prepared to handle winter road conditions, consider an advanced driver-training course that teaches emergency driving skills |
Snowy Roads
Snow on a road may be hard-packed and slippery as ice. It can also be rutted and full of hard tracks and gullies. Or it can be smooth and soft. Wet snow can make for slushy roads. Heavy slush can build up in the wheel wells of your vehicle and can affect your ability to steer. Remember, look far ahead as you drive, so you can recognize hazards and have plenty of time to respond. Adjust your driving to the road and weather conditions. Slow down and avoid sudden turns of the steering wheel, and sudden braking and accelerating which could cause a skid. Extra caution should be exercised when driving in these road conditions.
Ice
Be careful when approaching shaded areas, bridges, and overpasses, as these sections of road freeze much sooner in cold weather and stay frozen long after the sun has risen. Watch out for frost, areas of the road that appear black and shiny, as they can cause your vehicle to suddenly lose traction. Slow down, keep your foot off the brake, and be ready to shift to neutral or step on the clutch as your vehicle crosses these areas.
Stopping Distances
In winter driving conditions, it takes all vehicles longer to stop on
snow-covered roads.
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Sub-compact Minivan 4-Wheel Drive |
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| * Fournier L., Comparative Evaluation of Performance of All-Season tires and Winter tires Ministry of Transportation, Quebec, 2002. | ||
Snow and Slush Spray
On snowy, wet and slushy roads, large trucks and buses can blow moisture onto your windshield, leading to a sudden loss of visibility. Always drive defensively and leave enough space to avoid their snow spray.
The Unexpected
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Know what to do if it happpens to you. |
If you get stuck or stranded, don't panic. Stay with your vehicle for safety and warmth. Wait for help to arrive. If you are in an area with cell phone service and have a cell phone, call for help. Remember, dialing 911 on your cell phone will connect you with the emergency services contact centre in the area. Please use 1-888-310-1122 for non-emergencies.
Be careful if you have to get out of your vehicle when on the shoulder of a busy road. If possible, use the door away from traffic.
If you attempt to free your vehicle from the snow, be careful. Dress warmly, shovel slowly and do not overexert yourself. Do not attempt to shovel or push your vehicle if you have a medical condition. Body heat is retained when clothing is kept dry. Wet clothing, due to the weather or perspiration, can lead to a dangerous loss of body heat.Draw attention to your vehicle. Use emergency flashers, flares or a Call Police sign. Run your motor sparingly. Be careful of exhaust fumes. For fresh air, slightly open a window away from the wind. Exit your vehicle occasionally to make sure the exhaust pipe is clear of drifting snow before running the engine.
Winter Driving Survival Kit
DID
YOU KNOW . . . |
It's a good idea to keep a winter survival kit in your vehicle. Having essential supplies can provide some comfort and safety for you and your passengers should you become stranded. Recommended items include:
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In blizzard conditions, especially overnight, make sure one person stays awake, because help could take some time to arrive. Maintain circulation by moving your feet, hands, and arms.
Road-Ready and Weather-Wise
- Listen to the radio for road and weather updates and check conditions before leaving. The Weather Network is continuously updated with Ontario Traveller information.
- 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.
- Always exercise caution and drive according to conditions.
- Watch for the flashing lights of snow and ice control vehicles. When approaching them from behind, slow down, stay back, and be patient. DO NOT PASS around or between them.
- Learn about snow and ice control on the reverse side of this booklet.
For provincial highway condition information, call:
TRAVELLERS' ROAD INFORMATION
1-800-268-4686
Local GTA: 416-235-4686
Provincial TTY: Niagara Region TTY:
1-866-471-8929 905-704-2426
This information is also available in the blue pages of your telephone directory OR on the Internet: www.mto.gov.on.ca/english/traveller/index.html
Hardcopies of publications can be ordered through the following three channels:
Online at ServiceOntario Publications.
www.serviceontario.ca/publicationsBy phone through the ServiceOntario Contact Centre
Monday to Friday, 8:30 AM to 5:00 PM
416-326-5300
416-325-3408 (TTY)
1-800-668-9938 Toll-free across Canada
1-800-268-7095 TTY Toll-free across OntarioIn person at ServiceOntario Centres located throughout the province.
For alternate formats of publications contact Alternate Format Coordinator at ServiceOntario Publications.
Tel: 416 314-3086 Fax: 416 326-4648.
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