The OPP and CAA want us to take winter driving precautions

February 13, 2019, Kitchener, Ontario

Posted by: Robert Deutschmann, Personal Injury Lawyer

The CAA has been vocal throughout the last couple of weeks in Ontario as we have faced several ice and snow storms throughout the province. Both the OPP and CAA advise that the number one mistakes drivers are making is that they are driving too fast and following too closely for the conditions on the road.

There is no need to be travelling as fast or faster than the posted speed limited when roads are ice and snow covered and visibility is poor. You should be driving slowly enough that you can anticipate and avoid problems ahead of you. Your following distance should be far greater than the 2 seconds that most drivers are allowing.

Here is a complete list of the CAA and OPP winter driving safety tips.

• Keep your fuel tank above ½ for safety reasons and to prevent condensation in the tank
• Winter tires provide much better traction in snow and ice, better handling and better stopping distances
• Keep a box with your emergency kit in the car – first aid, flashlight, hi viz vest, ice scraper, cat litter, shovel, sand, booster cables, candles and matches, and some snacks
• Plan your route before you leave
• Stay on main roads that tend to be better maintained
• Keep your cell phone with you and have the charger in the car
• DO NOT use cruise control
• Slow down and move over for emergency vehicles
• Stay well back from plows that throw up a lot of snow, ice, salt and sand
• DO NOT pass snow plows
• If you break down call 911 and turn on your hazards
• Assess whether it’s safer to leave the car and wait outside or stay in the car.
• If you stay in the car do not keep your engine on all the time, make sure your tailpipe is clear of snow and watch for signs of CO poisoning

About Deutschmann Law

Deutschmann Law serves South-Western Ontario with offices in Kitchener-Waterloo, Cambridge, Woodstock, Brantford, Stratford and Ayr. The law practice of Robert Deutschmann focuses almost exclusively in personal injury and disability insurance matters. For more information, please visit www.deutschmannlaw.com or call us at 1-519-742-7774.

It is important that you review your accident benefit file with one of our experienced personal injury / car accident lawyers to ensure that you obtain access to all your benefits which include, but are limited to, things like physiotherapy, income replacement benefits, vocational retraining and home modifications.