O.P.P. tips to prepare for winter driving.
407 ETR road maintenance crews are already hard at work preparing for the winter driving season and you should be too.
The first rule of winter safety is not to drive at all in bad weather unless it is absolutely necessary. If winter driving is a necessity you may find the tips below helpful. Of course, you must always wear your seatbelt and remember to slow down, leave space around your vehicle and drive according to conditions.
Check your tires - Winter tires will give you the extra traction, braking and handling you'll need to confidently drive on snow and ice. Also, tire air pressure decreases in cold weather, make sure you check your air pressure frequently.
Get your windshield ready - Windshield wiper blades should be replaced twice a year. Fill your windshield wiper reservoir with freeze resistant wiper fluid and always keep a spare bottle of fluid in the trunk.
Have an emergency kit - Prepare for winter emergencies. Hopefully you won't need to use it, but keep a kit in your trunk with blankets, extra hat/gloves, a flashlight, a snow brush/ice scraper and water, just in case of an emergency.
Stranded Motorists - If you encounter trouble or witness an emergency, you can call *677 or 1-800-310-1122 which will connect you to the nearest OPP communications centre.
It is always advisable to be a member of an Emergency Roadside Assistance program. However, 407 ETR Highway Patrol and the OPP also monitor the highway 24/7 and will provide assistance to motorists whenever possible.
