OPP Reminds Drivers To Slow Down

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Essex County OPP Officers say they have been kept busy responding to crashes on area highways due to deteriorating road conditions caused by Fridays snow.

Police stress that motorists must adapt their driving behaviour, slow down and drive according to the road and weather conditions. The OPP continue to remind motorists that speed and aggressive driving are the two major causes of crashes in these weather conditions. Most of the collisions we have seen could have, and should have been avoided. Slow down, and be sure all occupants are buckled up.

Drivers must be prepared:

SLOW DOWN! Speed too fast for conditions is the #1 cause of winter crashes.

LEAVE MORE SPACE BETWEEN VEHICLES! Stopping distances are at least double on snowy roads, and even longer in icy conditions.

BE READY FOR RAPIDLY CHANGING CONDITIONS! Blowing snow may suddenly reduce visibility, and gusting winds can cause ice to form quickly, especially on bridges and overpasses.

GET YOUR VEHICLE READY! Fit four winter tires. Have an ice scraper/snowbrush in your vehicle to keep your windows, signals, and lights clear before driving. Top up your windshield washer with winter-grade fluid. Keep your vehicle fuel tank at least ½ full, (so you don’t run out if you get stranded) and to prevent condensation in your gas tank.

KNOW WHERE YOU ARE! Keep track of intersections as you pass them in case you need to call for help in an emergency.

• MONITOR ROAD/WEATHER CONDITIONS! Check local media and road authority websites for conditions/closures before you leave, and listen to local radio during your journey. Please do not call 911 or the OPP for “road reports”.