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North Bay OPP's checklist for safe driving this winter

OPP News Release ***** Winter driving conditions are almost upon us and members of the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) North Bay Detachment urge drivers to avoid the risky behaviour of aggressive driving – slow down, give yourself more time to

OPP News Release

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Winter driving conditions are almost upon us and members of the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) North Bay Detachment urge drivers to avoid the risky behaviour of aggressive driving – slow down, give yourself more time to arrive at your destination and maintain distance between vehicles. Excess speed reduces the amount of available time needed to avoid a collision, increases the likelihood of a collision and increases the severity of a collision once it occurs.

Drivers of all ages have experienced being “pushed along” in traffic above what they are comfortable with. Many drivers exhibit a great deal of impatience with drivers travelling at or below the speed limit during poor winter driving conditions and can become quite aggressive. The motoring public needs to be made more aware of the dangers of excess speed in order to combat this dangerous, life-threatening behaviour.

If travel is necessary during potentially dangerous winter weather it’s best to inform someone of the travel route, destination and expected arrival time. Motorists should also remember to keep their gas tank near full to avoid ice in the tank and fuel lines. Motorists have several choices for checking road conditions and include calling the MTO at 1-800-268-4686 or 511; or by checking the following websites www.ontario.ca/511 or www.mto.gov.on.ca/english/traveller/conditions .

Prepare yourself for road trips by wearing winter clothing (even though you are in a motor vehicle) and carry a cell phone. Also prepare your car by equipping it with proper winter tires, ensure that headlights, tail lights, wipers and defrost are working properly, ice and snow cleared off windows, windshield washer fluid topped up and ensure gas tank is at least half full.    A winter vehicle kit is also a good practice and can include these items:

- Flashlights with extra batteries                        

 - First aid kit with pocket knife

- Necessary medication                                      

- Blankets

- Matches and candles for light and heat            

- Extra set of mittens, socks and wool cap

- Shovel                                                               

- Tools (pliers, wrenches, screwdrivers)

- Booster cables                                                  

- Bottled water

- Ice scraper/snowbrush                                    

- Tow rope or chain

- Road Flares                                                     

-  Fuel Line anti-freeze

- Fire extinguisher                                               

- Non-perishable food

- A brightly coloured cloth to use as a distress flag

- Bag of sand for generating traction under the wheels

Remember that winter weather conditions can change quickly, placing extra demands on your vehicle and your driving skills. The winter months are a particularly important time to stay focused on the road and on other vehicles.

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