Regional police, OPP and CAA give tips on winter driving
Posted Nov 9, 2023 11:23:56 AM.
Last Updated Nov 10, 2023 01:46:28 PM.
While the first day of winter is 42 days away, winter driving season is expected to begin a lot sooner.
CAA and the OPP have teamed up to inform drivers how to stay safe during the winter months. Some tips from CAA include putting on winter tires when the temperature consistently drops below seven degrees Celsius, always having half a tank of gas in your vehicle and preparing an emergency kit. An emergency kit can include a first aid kit, shovel, scrapper, blankets, booster cables, batteries and a phone charger.
A full list of tips from CAA can be found here.
OPP Sergeant Kerry Schmidt is reminding residents of new legislation that prohibits the passing of an “echelon” of snow plows on roads where the speed limit is 80km/hr or more. Failing to adhere to the new law is a $325 fine.
“When you see these snow plows, they are focused on clearing the roads making them safe,” said Schmidt. “The last thing they want to see is some car or driver trying to sneak their way through.”
Waterloo Regional Police also note to have your vehicle clear of all snow and ice, give yourself extra time to get to your destination, increase your following distance with other vehicles and slow down according to road and weather conditions.
Police also confirmed they responded to a total of 23 crashes on Wednesday, when a freezing rain warning was in effect.
