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York Region is prepared to plow through the winter on Regional roads but it’s a team effort when it comes to making the roads safe for everyone this winter season.
Regional snowplows and winter maintenance vehicles are ready to clear the snow and ice that accumulates on Regional roads by removing snow, sanding, salting and using salt-brine to help prevent ice build-up on roads.
Regional snowplows are tuned up and spruced up this season and will be featuring decals that have been designed by elementary students as part of our National Public Works Week annual Paint-a-Plow contest.
We all have a part to play and ensuring your vehicle is prepared for winter will help all travellers reach their destinations safely when driving conditions are less than ideal.
Here’s how you can ensure you are ready for winter driving and weather conditions.
Prepare your vehicle:
- Get your vehicle serviced for the season: check the battery, headlights, wipers and top up windshield washer fluid
- Install four winter tires
- Stock your vehicle with winter essentials like a snowbrush and a survival kit
Before you go:
- Give yourself extra time for winter travel and delay trips in severe weather conditions
- Clean snow, ice and frost off your windshield, rear and side windows, all lights and mirrors, wipers, hood, trunk and rooftop before hitting the road
- Turn on all lights to ensure you can be seen in low-light and poor weather conditions
- Make sure you buckle up for every trip
- Follow us on Facebook and Twitter for the latest road updates
On the road:
- Adapt your driving according to the weather by reducing speed, avoiding sudden maneuvers to stay in control and increasing the distance between you and other vehicles
- Expect to see snowplows and winter maintenance equipment, be patient and give them space
- Avoid distractions and stay alert
- Careless driving charges, six demerit points, fines up to $2,000, a six-month jail term and a license suspension of up to two years are the consequences for endangering other people by driving too fast for the road and weather conditions
- Watch for pedestrians
