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Local police are urging drivers to remember the extra demands that winter weather puts on them and their vehicle’s performance.
The OPP is asking people travelling through the region to use extra caution when conditions worsen over the winter, urging them to follow a few safety tips to ensure everyone arrives at their destination safely, including:
- Drive according to current road and weather conditions. Reduce your speed when adverse weather conditions arise.
- Keep a safe distance between your vehicle and the vehicle in front of you. Remember, longer stopping distances may be required.
- Be able to see and be seen. Clean frost and snow off all windows, mirrors, and lights.
- Consider installing four winter tires on your vehicle, install good wiper blades, and keep an ample supply of windshield washer fluid in your vehicle.
- Give yourself extra time to reach your destination. Consider postponing or cancelling your trip if the weather does not improve.
Officers also suggest carrying a few essential items in your car that could help when bad weather strikes, such as:
- A charged cell phone in case of an emergency
- An ice scraper, snow brush, a small shovel, sand, salt, or other traction aid
- Booster cables, road flares, fuel line antifreeze, and tow rope
- Extra clothing and footwear, a blanket, high-energy non-perishable food, matches, and a candle
- Flashlight, small tool kit, first aid kit
Keep up to date on weather conditions and resulting road closures as they happen through Municipal511, 96.1 myFM, or RenfrewToday.ca.
(written by Kasey Egan)