OPP: Stay off the road, if possible
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Oxford County OPP is urging motorists within the county to stay off roadways unless it is absolutely necessary to travel.
OPP continue to respond to numerous vehicle collisions across the county and snow which arrived in squalls, at times limiting visibility to zero Thursday morning, is continuing to drift and blow across roadways.
Again, unless absolutely necessary to travel, the OPP is advising drivers to stay off roadways. If necessary, allow extra time for travel and consider checking ahead for road advisory information and monitoring local media for the latest updates and alternate routes.
Following is a series of winter driving tips, provided by the Norfolk OPP.
Slow down
Always drive according to weather and road conditions. The posted speed limit is intended for ideal road conditions- in poor conditions, reduce your speed.
Keep a safe distance between you and the vehicle in front of you to avoid having to brake suddenly. Increase your following distance on wet and slippery surfaces to allow more time to stop.
Give yourself extra time to reach your destination, and postpone or cancel your trip if the weather does not improve.
Stay alert
Winter weather conditions can change quickly, placing extra demands on your vehicle and your driving skills.
Keep your focus on the road and on other vehicles around you.
Eliminate all distractions and make sure you are well rested before your trip.
Stay in control
Make sure you know how to handle your vehicle in all weather conditions.
Be familiar with your braking system and know how it reacts on snow and ice.
Keep your headlights on all the time - don’t rely on daytime running lights. Low beams are more effective than high beams in fog or heavy snow conditions.
Never use cruise control in winter weather.
Signal well in advance of turning to give other motorists time to react to your actions. Check your rear-view and side mirrors, and always check the blind spots before changing lanes.
Avoid sudden moves by anticipating turns or lane changes. Abrupt changes in direction or slamming on the brakes could cause you to lose control.
Remember that bridges and overpasses may be slippery even when other sections of the highway are not.
Avoid braking on curves by driving through them at a safe, steady speed.
Accelerate slightly when approaching a hill and maintain a steady speed going up.
Take your foot off the brake if your vehicle begins to skid and steer in the direction you want to go. Remember your vehicle generally goes where you are looking. When the wheels regain their grip, brake firmly and smoothly.
Winter Tires … right for the season
Are your tires the right ones for winter driving? Do you drive where there's a lot of snow? The condition and type of tires you use are important for safety.
If you are like most vehicle owners, you probably have "all-season" tires on your vehicle. While they are designed to handle most driving conditions, they may not be suitable in heavy snow.
Proper tires do make a difference for your safety!