OPP Warn Of Hazardous Road Conditions

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Essex County OPP report that there have been several accidents Sunday as a result of the blowing snow. Police say that several of the county roadways are snow covered and slippery.

OPP offer the following tips in relation to winter driving:

• Always check with your local media outlet, Environment Canada or the Ministry of Transportation (MTO) 1-800-268-4686, before venturing out onto the roadways. If you discover that a snow storm is imminent, modify your driving times to reflect the best driving conditions.

• Reducing your speed during snow events can improve your stopping distance and help to navigate where you are going.

• If you have to stop for any reason, activate your hazard lights and ensure you are well off the traveled portion of the roadway. Whenever possible, pull into a driveway or parking lot rather than remaining on the shoulder of the roadway.

• If you have to get out of your vehicle, ensure there are no other cars approaching and do so in safety. The safest place to be is inside your vehicle.

• If you end up stuck in a ditch and need to keep the motor running, ensure that your exhaust is clear of snow. This will prevent carbon monoxide from entering your vehicle.

• When using the engine, or a lit candle to heat your vehicle, ensure a couple of your windows are down about one inch to allow CO2 to escape the vehicle and allow fresh air to enter.

• Tell someone your route and when they can expect you to return. Call them if you are going to be late.

Police also also that you do not call the Provincial Communications Centre  for road and weather conditions. Police will not provide this information. By calling the cenret for weather information you tie up phone lines that others depend on for emergency situations.