Winter driving tips, car safety items from UOV OPP

Winter weather conditions are forecasted in spots across the province, and the Upper Ottawa Valley Detachment of the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) is taking the chance to remind motorists that adverse weather conditions put extra demands on drivers and on vehicle performance.

OPP says the three key elements to safe winter driving are staying alert, slowing down, and staying in control. However, police also advise drivers to follow these safety tips to help everyone arrive at their destination safely:

- Drive according to current road and weather conditions.
- Keep a safe distance between vehicles. 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, install good wiper blades and keep an ample supply of windshield washer fluid in the vehicle
- Give extra time to reach the destination. Consider postponing or cancelling a trip if the weather does not improve.

Additionally, OPP provides a list of some recommended items to carry in a vehicle during the winter months:

- 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 anti-freeze, 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

To check on road conditions before your trip you can call 5-1-1. The Ministry of Transportation's Traveller Information Services provides road information for provincial highways in Ontario by telephone at 5-1-1 or online with accessible information on the MTO Ontario 511 website at www.ontario.ca/511

With files by CFRA's Connor Ray

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