Midwestern

West Region OPP warn motorists to prepare for winter

West Region OPP are urging motorists to prepare for the winter driving season.

Staff Sergeant Julie MacLeod from the Traffic Safety and Marine Program suggested now is a good time for drivers to get their snow tires put on.

"We also want you to make sure your vehicle is serviced by a reputable mechanic," MacLeod added. "That would include getting your battery checked, because, while it might be good now, when the cold weather hits, it may not."

MacLeod also advised drivers to make sure their cell phone is charged, or to have an extra charging cord in the vehicle.

"Make sure you have a good snow brush, as well as windshield washer fluid," she explained. "Then inside your vehicle, you want to make sure you have an emergency kit, which might include extra food, snacks, extra clothing, and a shovel."

MacLeod warned drivers to keep an eye on the gas tank as well.

"Another thing we need to consider is keeping your vehicle with over half a tank of fuel," she said. "Don't let it go below, because what happens is you don't know when the road would be closed, and you may be stuck on that highway for a long, extended period of time."

She stressed motorists, especially novice drivers, need to remember to adjust for winter conditions.

"Making sure you're driving for the road and weather conditions. So just because the speed limit says 80 or 100 doesn't mean we should be going that fast," she continued. "Quite often we arrive on a collision scene and someone's in the ditch saying I was doing the speed limit. But that's clearly not driving for the weather conditions, because if you reduce your speed, you can stay safer."

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