Friday, February 27, 2004

CHANGING CONDITIONS – A REMINDER

(North Bay, On)
The days are getting longer and we are beginning to find that temperatures are more tolerant these days. We are becoming more confident when driving to and from our daily destinations. The North Bay OPP would like to remind motorists of changing conditions on our roadways as we approach spring. The following familiar tips can be followed to avoid a tragedy:
• Watch your speed. You may be going faster than you think. If so, reduce speed gradually.
• Leave a safe braking distance between you and the vehicle ahead.
• Stay alert. Remain calm and patient.
• If visibility is decreasing rapidly, do not stop on the road. Look for an opportunity to pull off the road into a safe parking area and wait for conditions to improve.
• If you become stuck or stranded in changing weather, stay with your vehicle for warmth (as it is still cold out there) until help arrives. Slightly open a window for ventilation. Run your motor sparingly. Use your emergency flashers.

If traveling and you need to find out road conditions, please do not call the police; please call the Ministry of Transportation of Ontario (MTO). The local number for North Bay and Sudbury is 1-800-461-9523; and for the rest of Ontario, please call 1-800-268-4686