Winter driving
Ice, snow and sleet can be dangerous to drive in. Keeping the roads clear is our top priority, and it requires a closely coordinated effort among our teams. 407 ETR Highway Safety Patrollers monitor the roadway around the clock and are ready to assist drivers in all conditions.
The Ontario Provincial Police and 407 ETR would like to remind motorists to always drive according to weather and road conditions and keep these important safety tips in mind:
Top up your fluids. You can never be sure when bad weather is going to hit, so make sure you have a full tank of gas and your windshield wiper reservoir is topped up − carry a spare bottle of fluid in the trunk.
Slow down and only travel when necessary. Don’t travel in bad weather unless absolutely necessary. Leave early, giving yourself enough time to reach your destination at a safe speed.
Leave enough space between you and other vehicles. A two-second (or more in bad weather) following distance is appropriate. Leave even more space for emergency vehicles.
Carry an emergency kit in your vehicle. Include these items in the winter: hand warmers, de-icer windshield fluid, thermal blanket, cat litter for tire traction, salt for melting ice or snow and a small shovel.
How do you compare to other drivers?
A survey commissioned by 407 ETR through Innovative Research Group looked at the attitudes and behaviours of Ontario drivers towards winter driving. Most Ontario drivers put snow tires on their vehicles (66% always do). Over half (56%) say they feel prepared for an emergency, and Baby Boomers ages 57 to 75 (64%) feel more prepared than Generation Z (37%).
When it comes to having a back-up-plan, most drivers (72%) have roadside assistance, half (53%) have an emergency kit, and very few (15%) have a high-visibility vest. Only 11% have all three safety measures. Read the full survey.
