Gear up for a blast of winter

THORNHILL, ON, Feb. 9 /CNW/ - After an unseasonably warm and practically snow-free season, CAA SCO is reminding drivers to shift into winter driving mode.

Mother Nature has been kind to the GTA so far, but weather forecasters are predicting a blast of winter heading our way on Wednesday. Toronto could get about five cm of snow and surrounding areas could see even more.

"Some motorists may be rusty when it comes to winter driving because we have had such a mild winter with-for the most part-dry roads," said Silvana Aceto , spokesperson for CAA SCO. "Remember in bad weather, slow down and put more distance between you and the car in front of you."

    
    CAA SCO recommends the following winter driving tips:

    - Remove all snow from your vehicle's hood, roof, windows and lights
    - Slow down and wear your seatbelt
    - Be prepared, carry a fully charged cell phone with you
    - Wear warm clothes
    - Install four matching winter tires
    - Pack a winter survival kit
    

Keep the following in your trunk: shovel, windshield washer fluid, booster cables, kitty litter and extra clothing and footwear.

Keep the following inside your vehicle: ice scraper, snow brush, blanket, flashlight and first aid kit.

CAA South Central Ontario is a not-for-profit auto club offering insurance, travel, automotive care and roadside services. There are more than 1.8 million CAA members in South Central Ontario and 5 million members in Canada . Visit www.caasco.com.

For further information: Media contact: Silvana Aceto, Media and PR Specialist, CAA SCO, 60 Commerce Valley, Drive East, Thornhill, ON, L3T 7P9, [email protected], Office: [phone], Cell: [phone], and/or Jason Ballantyne, Manager, communications, CAA SCO, [email protected], [phone], Cell: [phone]