Get ready to use what you know about snow!
Give Yourself Extra Time
- Winter means waking up earlier to clean off your car. Check your roof, headlights, and taillights and clear off any snow or ice
- More time to brake: put extra distance between you and the car ahead to give you more time to come to safe stop
- Leave home with extra time. Winter driving can be unpredictable. Plan ahead and leave with more time than you need to account for slower driving and other delays
Know Before You Go
- You can find information about road closures, projects, constructions, and more on the Municipal511 map
- Dufferin County often posts weather and road condition alerts on its social media channels and local radio
- Check the weather forecast and delay unnecessary travel when significant storms are in the forecast
Safety
- Drive according to the road conditions. Start slow and adjust your speed accordingly. During a storm, posted speed limits are usually too fast
- Brake gradually
- When turning, steer gently and go slowly to maintain control
- Use your low-beam headlights to improve your visibility to other road users. They are bright than daytime running lights and will turn on your tail lights
- Use extra caution when approaching and driving on bridges and ramps. Ice can form without warning, even if roadways are dry
- Black ice: this is a thin, nearly invisible coat of ice that can make the road look like shiny new asphalt
- Give plows space and never pass a snow plow. They cannot see you and you cannot see the road ahead
- Slow down on steep hills: these areas can become icy, so reduce your speed going up or down hills and avoid sudden braking or acceleration
- Keep your gas tank full
- Keep emergency supplies in your car. The basics include:
- First aid kit
- Blankets
- Non-perishable snacks
- Water
- Flashlight
- Extra warm clothing
- Don't use cruise control as it can cause your vehicle to accelerate too quickly