McGuinty Government Reminds Ontarians To Drive
According To Weather
Conditions
TORONTO,
NEWS
The first snowfall is a reminder to all drivers that winter driving means
increased hazards and a need to be better prepared.
Snow and freezing temperatures increase braking time and the potential for losing vehicle control. Ontarians are 30 per cent more likely to be involved in a collision during the winter season, than in the summer. Most of the resulting injuries and damage are avoidable.
Simple precautions, such as leaving plenty of room around snowplows and salt or sand crews, and driving according to weather and road conditions, will help everyone arrive safely at their destination.
QUOTES
"Adjusting our driving to winter road conditions and exercising caution
around snowplows gets more people home to their families, safely," said
Transportation Minister Jim Bradley (http://www.mto.gov.on.ca/english/about/minister.htm).
"Speed and aggressive driving are the two major causes of
crashes at this time of
year. Most of these occurrences can be avoided if drivers slow down and be sure
to buckle up," said Ontario Provincial Police Commissioner Julian Fantino
(http://www.opp.ca/Organization/Commissioner/index.htm).
QUICK FACTS
- The Ministry of Transportation requires maintenance vehicles to use
an electronic sand and salt spreader to control application levels.
This reduces waste, lowers cost and increases efficiency.
- On average
each year 112 snowplows are involved in a collision with
other motor vehicles.
