Huron OPP urge motorists to be prepared for that first blast of winter weather

(HURON COUNTY, ON) - Every year, Huron County OPP officers respond to too many preventable collisions whenever the first blast of winter-like weather arrives. 

With a snow-squall watch now in effect for Huron County, drivers need to be prepared for possible hazardous driving conditions. The forecast is expected to bring us our first dose of heavy snow, flurries, and freezing temperatures and next-to-zero visibility.   
 
The Huron OPP is asking drivers to be part of the solution to reduce the number of preventable collisions during the 2017-18 winter. Poor driving behaviour - not poor weather or road conditions - is often the primary contributing factor in many winter crashes.          
 
"No other road safety partner can have as strong an influence on reducing the number of collisions during winter as drivers can through positive driving behaviour," says OPP deputy commissioner Brad Blair. "During the winter months, the way people drive needs to be very different than the way they drive the rest of year." 
 
"The safety of our roads is always a top priority and we continue to work closely with our road safety partners to promote safe and responsible winter practices," says Ontario transportation minister Steven Del Duca. "Ontario winters can be challenging for drivers. Be sure to check road conditions on MTO's Ontario 511 Traveller Information Services. Please stay alert, slow down and drive according to road and weather conditions."
 
Over the winter months, the OPP will be providing a steady flow of safety-related tips, information and reminders on its social media sites in an effort to keep motorists on track with safe driving behaviour and to keep them informed about winter driving issues on our roads.  

One strong and recurring message people can expect to hear over winter is the need for drivers to adjust their speed and slow right down when visibility and road conditions deteriorate and to avoid non-essential travel during these periods.
 
Another important message will be the need for all drivers to use their full set of headlights every day throughout the winter months.  Using your full set of headlights is the only way to completely engage your rear lights and this is critical in helping to reduce the risk of collisions when driving in poor visibility.
 
The OPP urges drivers to use MTO's Ontario 511 Traveller Information Services which provides easy access to up-to-date winter information on road conditions and road closures on provincially-maintained roads. Ontario 511 also provides voice-activated, hands-free service.  
 
Do not call 911 or the OPP communication centre for road and weather updates as your call could be tying up a line for an emergency situation. Please dial 511, check with your local media outlet or on-line resources but do not call 911 for this information.
 
Drivers are also encouraged to equip their vehicle with an emergency survival kit. In an emergency situation having food, extra blankets, a first aid kit and a cell phone could save your life.
 
Further information pertaining to emergency survival kits, vehicle preparation, and safe winter driving tips can be found by accessing the following link: www.ontario.ca/winterdriving  
 
Please drive cautiously and remember, when you see snow, go slow! Reducing preventable collisions on our roadways is our goal; please do your part as a safe driver.