Thornhill, Ontario — Five provincial organizations including the Toronto Police Service (TPS), the Ministry of Transportation (MTO) and CAA South Central Ontario (CAA SCO), have joined forces to release a guide to help prepare Ontarians for the worst of the coming winter.
In addition to slowing down and maintaining a state of alertness, these recommendations include battery inspections, installing winter tires and preparing emergency kits in the event drivers are stranded and awaiting assistance.
“Motorists need to be aware and alert at all times when on the road, even in the most routine circumstances,” said TPS Const. Sean Shapiro. “That includes slowing down and driving according to weather conditions.”
MTO recommends motorists download and use the 511 app to check the weather and road conditions before they leave home this winter. The 511 app can be found at 511on.ca or in the app store on your mobile device.
The Ontario Provincial Police recommends drivers experiencing breakdowns or collisions to steer and clear if possible, then wait on the side of the road with their vehicle until help arrives.
CAA SCO recommends keeping gas tanks more than half-full to avoid condensation from freezing up fuel lines, removing excess snow before driving and stocking on wiper fluid rated for –40C.
“Staying safe while driving this season begins with proper winter vehicle maintenance before bad weather hits,” said Tony Tsai, v-p of corporate communications and services at CAA SCO.
For details on how to prepare an emergency kit, click here for the CAA SCO newsletter.
