Tips for safe driving this winter

By Morgan Davy

BELLEVILLE – The Ontario Provincial Police has teamed up with the Ministry of Transportation in an attempt to make Ontario roads safer this winter.

The OPP released a statement saying accidents on OPP-patrolled roads increased last winter. From Dec. 1, 2013 to March 31, 2014 a total of 33,334 accidents happened, a significant rise from the 25,953 that happened over the same four-month period in 2012-2013.

The OPP is asking motorists on Facebook what behaviour they think Ontario drivers need to change in order to “help prevent another chaotic winter on our roads.”

Paul Cooney, owner of Cooney Driving School, says the first step to driving safe this winter is being prepared.

“Windshield wipers and washer fluid, so that you have your visibility so you can see. Another key thing is to make sure others can see you. A lot of these drivers drive in snow with just their day-time running lights on. You need your full headlight system functioning.”

Keeping your distance from other vehicles is the easiest way to avoid collisions, says transport driver Darrell Gillan.

“Bottom line, I can say, is stay back. Keep lots of room, thats the biggest thing I see out there. It’s just crazy how close the vehicles are travelling.”

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