Monday, November 17, 2003

CHANGING CONDITIONS - "ARE YOU READY?"


(North Bay, Ont.)
In the last 2 weeks, OPP in North Bay, Mattawa and
Powassan have been busy with incidents involving the transition from summer driving to winter driving.
Driving to the changing conditions is a stressful experience for everyone; however, if it is done safely, one can avoid a tragedy on our roadways.
The OPP would like to you to remember the following tips when driving in changing conditions:
* 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 severe weather, stay with your vehicle for warmth and safety until help arrives. Slightly open a window for ventilation. Run your motor sparingly. Use your emergency flashers.
* Be prepared and carry a winter driving survival kit that includes items such as warm clothing, non-perishable energy foods, flashlight, shovel, blanket, etc. Before you drive, and during your trip, check weather forecasts and road
reports. If there is a weather warning or reports of poor visibility and driving conditions, delay your trip until conditions improve, if possible.

If you need to find out road conditions, please do not call the police; please call the winter road condition line from 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.