"BE PREPARED FOR WINTER" SAYS OPP

ORILLIA, ON, Nov. 5 /CNW/ - With winter fast approaching, the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) are issuing an important reminder that driving conditions could rapidly and unexpectedly change, creating dangerous hazards and challenges for drivers.

The (OPP) is advising motorists that this is the ideal time to prepare yourself and your vehicle for what Environment Canada predicts will be a snowy, cold winter. 

Getting Your Vehicle Ready:

• Install four winter tires before the first snowfall (winter tires provide greater control and stability).
• Have an ice scraper or snow brush in your vehicle to clear the snow and ice from all windows, mirrors, lights and roof (also wait for the fog to clear from the interior of the windows so you have good visibility).
• Top up your windshield washer reservoir and keep an extra container in your vehicle.
• Keep your fuel tank at least half full so that you don't run out of gas if stranded, and to prevent condensation in your fuel tank.
• Keep a fully-stocked emergency kit in your vehicle.
• Lastly, have your vehicle fully serviced to avoid unnecessary breakdowns.

Adjusting your driving habits:

• Drivers must SLOW DOWN! (speed is the # 1 cause of winter crashes).
• Adjust your driving according to the road and weather conditions.
• Leave extra space between vehicles (stopping distances are at least double on snowy roads and even longer on icy roads).
• Know where you are (if you require help in an emergency, you need to know your location when asked).
• Monitor road and weather conditions, plan your trip and check local weather before heading out.
• Check the Ministry of Transportation website prior to heading out on any trip during the winter.
• Do not call 911 or the OPP for road reports.
• Instead, visit  www.mto.gov.on.ca/english/traveller/conditions or call 1-800-268-4686.

Ontario's winters can make for some of the most challenging winter driving in Canada, and the OPP is reminding Ontarians that these important safety tips will go a long way in ensuring that you make it through winter safely. 

For further information:

	Contacts by OPP Region:
Highway Safety Division:   Central Region:   Eastern Region:   Northeast Region:   Northwest Region:   Western Region:	Sergeant Dave Woodford    Constable Peter Leon   Sergeant Kristine Rae   Inspector Mark Andrews          Sergeant Shelley Garr   Sergeant Dave Rektor	Phone: [phone] Phone: [phone] Phone: [phone] Phone: [phone] Phone: [phone] Phone: [phone]