Freeze out winter driving stress

THORNHILL, ON, Nov. 16, 2016 /CNW/ - Frigid weather, dead batteries and frozen windshield wipers are reminders that another Southern Ontario winter is not far away. Now is the time to prepare your car and yourself to help keep your winter driving worries to a minimum.

Today, CAA South Central Ontario (CAA SCO), Toronto Police Service and the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) are reminding drivers to get ready for unpredictable weather conditions with a change in mindset and technique.

"Most road collisions are not accidents and are preventable. Winter weather conditions can challenge even experienced drivers. CAA is busy getting ready to keep you safe," said Elliott Silverstein, Manager of Government Relations, CAA SCO.

"The need to be aware and alert at all times on any road even in the most routine circumstances is a key component to moving through traffic safely. Following these precautions can help reduce your chances of being involved in a collision while driving in any weather conditions, especially the winter," said Constable Clint Stibbe, Toronto Police Traffic Services.

"We often see an increase in collisions once the winter weather hits and every driver has a responsibility to do their part by staying attentive and calm at all times behind the wheel," added Sergeant Kerry Schmidt, Highway Safety Division, Ontario Provincial Police.

Prepare your vehicle and yourself before winter weather hits:

• Pack a winter emergency kit.
• Ensure you have an ice scraper, snow brush, shovel and extra windshield washer fluid in your vehicle.
• Install a set of four matching winter tires for better traction.
• Winter impacts all drivers. Letting a fellow driver into your lane and a simple thank you wave in return can make the difference on a stressful winter day.

Toronto Police Service and the OPP encourage drivers to be in the right frame of mind for messy winter driving with the following tips:

• Always drive according to the weather and adjust your speed accordingly.
• Focus on driving and you will never be surprised by a change in road or traffic conditions.
• Leave yourself extra time to get to your destination by planning ahead when poor weather is expected.

For more helpful winter driving tips, visit www.drivinginwinter.ca.

As a leader and advocate for road safety and mobility, CAA South Central Ontario is a not-for-profit auto club which represents the interests of 2 million members. For over a century, CAA has collaborated with communities, police services and governments to help keep drivers and their families safe while travelling on our roads.

Follow @CAASCO_News on Twitter for regular updates on wait times, other news and information.

#CAAWinterDriving

SOURCE CAA South Central Ontario

Image with caption: "CAA SCO Winter Driving Infographic (CNW Group/CAA South Central Ontario)". Image available at: http://photos.newswire.ca/images/download/20161116_C6654_PHOTO_EN_819470.jpg

Media contact: Jeff LeMoine, Communications Consultant, CAA SCO, [email protected], Office: [phone], Cell: [phone] or Tony Tsai, Director of Corporate Communications, CAA SCO, [email protected], Office: [phone], Cell: [phone].