Roads are slick in the Greater Toronto Area. Give yourself PLENTY of extra time this morning.
Light snow is still falling in and around the shores of Lake Ontario this morning.
There aren’t HEAVY amounts of snow on the ground, but there’s enough to make for some slippery roads.
Several accidents have already been reported on major streets and series 400 Highways. And with the bulk of the morning commute still to come, police are expecting more.
Still, it’s not just the snow on the ground drivers need to look out for. Today, the winds will be a bigger story.
Winds will be very strong today, gusting up to 70 kilometres per hour in some places,’ says Weather Network Meteorologist Gerald Cheng. ‘It will be slightly less windy by the afternoon. But it will still cause blowing and drifting snow, and that could make for poor visibility.’
Temperatures are lingering below the freezing mark, which means the snow could stick. We’re calling for another two to four centimetres in the Toronto area, and slightly higher amounts further east. The Niagara Peninsula could get another ten centimetres today.
Make sure you tune into The Weather Network on TV for the latest updates on watches and warnings. You should also check out our Highway Conditions report before you hit the road.
For weather updates, visit: the Weather Network
Some information on accident prevention:
Avoiding accidents can be difficult at the best of times, but when there are poor road conditions or inclement weather, your skills as a driver can be further tested. For many drivers who consider themselves good drivers, the thought of being involved in a road accident seems almost unbelievable. Many have the ‘it’ll never happen to me’ viewpoint and hopefully most are right. However, in poor conditions even the most skilled should take care to avoid any possible accident situations.
Winter Driving is Always More Hazardous
The cold winter days and nights bring with them their own set of hazards that can at times be impossible to avoid. Every driver should be more aware of the road conditions and other drivers around them in poor winter conditions. Always make sure that your car is in good condition and take a winter emergency pack in your car. It should have in it a blanket, food, water and of course always have your mobile phone with you. Checking your car regularly will hopefully mean you avoid any technical problems with your car that can lead to accidents. Ensure you have your screen wash topped up with a winter additive as many people suffer accidents in winter due to their windscreen freezing over quickly.
Another important part of driving in poor winter conditions is to make sure that your tyre tread depths are legal. The current legal minimum tread depth for tyres in the UK is 1.6mm. The better your tread depth, the safer you will be able to steer in poor driving conditions such as ice and snow. This small part of regular vehicle checking could be the difference between being in an accident and narrowly avoiding one. There are a few excellent tips to remember when you’re driving in bad winter conditions:
- Bad conditions mean you need more time for braking and accelerating. Leave more of a gap between you and other cars
- Avoid quiet roads as they are less likely to have been gritted compared to main roads
- If you are involved in an accident, stay with your car unless it’s in a dangerous spot. It’ll keep you warm inside until someone comes to help
- If visibility is really bad, below 100 metres you can use front or rear fog lights. Always remember to turn them off when you don’t need them as they may dazzle other drivers causing more of a hazard
Mind the Gap
It doesn’t need to be winter to have poor driving conditions. If you’re driving in poor visibility, you need to remember that just as you can’t see others, they can’t see you. If you’re queuing, leave a larger gap between yourself and the other cars. One of the most common accidents is being hit from behind in a line of cars. Try to always be aware of what vehicles behind you and in front of you are doing. The concept of leaving a gap is such a simple one, but it’s so important in driving safely in poor conditions. On both motorways and single carriage roads, you should always leave enough of a gap that you’re not likely to be bumped from behind. Also, watch out for motorcyclists. Many will try to overtake, especially in poor driving conditions where the traffic may be slower or stationary. Ensure you know where they are at all times.
More information: Read Here
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