Winter Driving Reminder: Stay Safe as Winter Weather Arrives
- Small Town Productions
- 5 days ago
- 3 min read
As winter settles into Ontario toward the end of November, the roads are already becoming slick, icy, and unpredictable. This time of year often brings freezing temperatures, steady light snow, and the kind of conditions that can turn an ordinary drive into a risky one with very little warning.
Last winter showed exactly how quickly things can escalate. After the first major snowfall, OPP responded to more than 220 crashes across the GTA, plus another 120 vehicles that slid off the road or became stuck. Even a thin layer of ice can be enough to cause widespread trouble.
Across Ontario, about one-third of all collisions each winter happen on snowy, icy, or slushy roads. It’s a strong reminder that winter driving requires extra caution from all of us.
❄️ Why Winter Roads Are Dangerous
Winter driving in Ontario becomes more challenging for a few key reasons:
Freezing temperatures create hidden ice. Roads can look wet but actually be frozen, especially overnight or early in the morning.
Snow builds up faster than plows can clear it. With fewer plow operators available in many communities, some routes take longer to service, leaving more snow and ice on the road.
Traction drops sharply in cold weather. Even a small amount of snow can reduce your ability to stop or steer.
Visibility changes constantly. Blowing snow, darker evenings, and fogged windows make it harder to see what’s ahead.
Drivers need time to readjust. After months of summer and fall driving, it takes time to get back into winter habits.
None of these issues seems major on their own, but together, they make winter driving more unpredictable and significantly more dangerous.
🚗 Simple Ways to Stay Safe This Winter
If you need to travel in harsh weather, here are a few practical steps that genuinely help:
Slow down. Even a small reduction in speed can prevent a crash.
Increase your following distance. More space gives you more time to stop.
Use winter tires if possible. They improve traction and braking in cold conditions.
Brake and steer gently. Smooth movements reduce your chance of skidding.
Clear all snow and ice from windows, mirrors, lights, and your roof.
Use your headlights in snow or low visibility so others can see you sooner.
Be cautious on bridges and rural stretches. They freeze first and stay icy longer.
If conditions are getting worse and your trip isn’t urgent, waiting a little while can be the safest choice.
❤️ A Community Reminder
As we head deeper into another Ontario winter with freezing temperatures, light snow, and longer plow wait times, it’s important to look out for one another on the roads.
A few small choices can prevent serious accidents and help keep everyone in our community safe.
Please share this reminder with friends, family, neighbours, and new drivers.
Together, we can help make this winter safer for everyone.
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