Drive According to Road Conditions
Drivers are being reminded to drive according to road conditions as a storm approaches the Greater Toronto Area.
"Road conditions can deteriorate rapidly, you need to plan ahead, adjust your speed and be prepared for a sudden change in traffic flows or road conditions," Traffic Services Superintendent Gord Jones said. "These simple changes to your driving behaviour could prevent a tragedy from occurring and get you home safely to your family."
Check weather and road conditions often:
Choosing the route ahead of time will help you be prepared and will ensure you know what to expect before you head out on the road. For provincial highway conditions, go towww.ontario.ca/511or call 511.
Keep a safe distance behind snow plows:
If you find yourself behind a snow plow, remember, the plows are there to help clear the snow and improve road conditions for you. By maintaining a safe distance, you ensure there is enough time for you to react to any change in traffic flows. Snow clearing operations can create clouds of snow that can substantially reduce your visibility.
Slow down and give yourself extra travel time:
Drive according to the road and weather conditions. Posted speed limits are for a clear and dry day, not a snowy day.
Clear snow and ice from your vehicle:
Make sure you clean all windows, mirrors, lights and the roof of your vehicle. Wait for any fogged windows to clear so your visibility isn’t reduced and you are able to operate your vehicle safely.
Wear comfortable clothes:
It's a good idea to layer up in the winter time, but having too many layers can restrict your movement and make it difficult to check your blind spot or operate your motor vehicle safely. Oversized boots could cause your feet to become stuck by the accelerator or brake pedals.
Keep a full gas tank:
Quite often drivers are commuting to and from Toronto with minimal amounts of fuel in their vehicles. Drivers who run their vehicles out of gas cause further traffic delays and also place themselves in danger when the vehicle has come to a stop in live lanes of traffic.
Keep emergency numbers handy and travel with a fully-charged cellphone:
The non-emergency number for the Toronto Police Service is 416-808-2222.
Avoid using cruise control on slippery roads:
It's easy to lose control of your vehicle in bad weather if you use cruise control. The cruise control system is incapable of adjusting to weather conditions.
Figure out the best way to recover from a skid for your vehicle:
How your vehicle responds to a skid depends on whether it has rear-wheel, front-wheel or four-wheel drive. If your vehicle has an anti-lock braking system (ABS), learn how to use it correctly.
Create an emergency kit:
Also remember to create a vehicle emergency kit. Your kit should include: pair of winter gloves, booster cables, shovel, container of windshield washer, First Aid kit, flashlight, snow brush, candles, safety vest, water bottles and granola bars or non-perishable high energy foods. Keep the kit in the trunk of your car.
If your are involved in a collision:
When to "Steer It Clear It":
• If there is only minor damage and the vehicle is driveable;
• There are no injuries;
• There is not significant debris on the roadway
Why "Steer It Clear It":
• Reduces the likelihood of a secondary collision and potential for injury by 20%;
• Reduces the length of time that a collision remains on the road by up to 65%;
• Reduces congestion, fuel consumption and the impact on the environment
What you should do:
• Remove vehicle from the travel lanes;
• Get name, phone number, driver licence the and insurance information, make, model and year of vehicle;
• Go to one of the of the two Collision Reporting Centres in Toronto within 24 hours
There are two Toronto Centres to serve you:
North Collision Reporting Centre
113 Toryork Drive, North York
Open 7 days a week all year, 6:00 a.m. to Midnight.
East Collision Reporting Centre
39 Howden Road, Scarborough
Open 7 days a week all year, 6:00 a.m. to Midnight.
Toronto Policecollision webpage
