OPP Warn Drivers to Be Winter Ready

Wednesday, 13 January 2016 at 07:07

The OPP have been busy responding to accidents. Drivers are asked to make sure their vehicles are ready to tackle the winter weather.

Oxford OPP are reminding motorists to give yourself plenty of time to get to your destination during the winter months.

Constable Stacey Culbert tells Heart FM police have been busy with a number of collisions over the past couple of days.

"However even though we have put out lots of warnings to the public through the media outlets that the winter weather is coming, we still have responded to a number of incidents of vehicles that are going into the ditches and sliding at intersections."

Culbert says you should also make sure your car is winter ready before venturing out and bad weather is not an excuse for bad driving.

"Make sure you clear all of the snow and ice off your vehicle, and scraping every window that you need to see out of: that includes the side and the rear view. Also making sure that you have proper working windshield wipers and that your fluid is topped up as well - making sure that your vehicle in general is mechanically safe and sound."

Here is the complete winter driving checklist from the OPP:

- Ensure your vehicle is mechanically sound and running well.

- Ensure your fuel tank is always above ½ full.

- Check to make sure your exhaust is free of holes or leaks.

- Replace your windshield wipers and put winter washer fluid in the reservoir.

- Put on winter tires for added traction and stopping ability.

- Ensure the de-frost and interior heaters are working properly on the vehicle.

- Check all running lights to ensure you can see and be seen.

Police also encourage motorists have the following items in their vehicle should they become stranded:

- A fully charged cell phone.

- A call police sign.

- A fully charged flashlight.