GREY-BRUCE-HURON – Don’t let the recent bit of nice weather fool you – snow is on the way. The transportation departments of Grey, Bruce, and Huron counties have partnered with the Ministry of Transportation and the Ontario Provincial Police to remind the public about winter road safety. All roadway users must travel safely, share the road, and respect others.
Stay informed on winter road conditions.
- MTO 511 Interactive Map: https://511on.ca/?ll=50.148746,-85.605468&z=5#:Alerts
- Grey County: www.grey.ca/roads/road-conditions-closures
- Bruce County: www.brucecounty.on.ca/road-conditions
- Huron County: www.huroncounty.ca/public-works/winter-road-conditions
- Don’t text and drive! Distracted driving is a serious safety issue that has claimed lives. Every driver has a responsibility to focus on the road, traffic, and driving conditions. Pull over to communicate and don’t put yourself and others at risk. Texting and driving is against the law.
- Deciding to pass is a serious decision. Use your turn signals, consider conditions and obstacles, and look for approaching vehicles and vehicles passing from behind. Pavement lines are simply a guide and could be snow-covered. When there is ice and snow, take it slow.
- Don’t veer for deer or other animals. Brake firmly but stay in your lane. Collisions occur when a driver swerves and loses control. Be on the lookout, prepare for the unexpected, and slow down in areas marked with animal activity signs.
- Avoid collisions by removing all snow and ice from your roof and windows, ensure windshield wipers are in working order, turn taillights on, reduce speed, leave extra space, avoid sudden braking and accelerating. Slippery conditions require caution. See and be seen!
- When there’s ice and snow, be patient and take it slow. Snow plow equipment travels at 25 km/h to 60 km/h working to keep roads safe. Passing a snow plow is never encouraged. If you pass, ensure adequate distance, road conditions, and space to return.
- Protect emergency services personnel responding to incidents on the roadside. Slow down and proceed with caution when an emergency vehicle or tow truck is roadside with lights activated. Obey the law, move over, and stay safe! Offenders may get fines or demerit points.
- Prepare for quickly changing conditions by having working winter tires, windshield wipers, and washer fluid. Stock your vehicle Emergency kit with a shovel, blanket, booster cables, flashlight, and more. Check road conditions and give yourself extra travel time.
- Police close roads for safety. Do not drive on closed roads. In a whiteout, don’t stop on the roadway. Find a driveway or parking lot to pull into. Vehicles parked or abandoned on roadways can be towed and fined. For winter road conditions, call 1- 866-266-7569.
- Slow-moving horse-drawn vehicles are common in our area. When passing from behind or the opposite direction, slow down and create as much distance as possible. Don’t use your horn or pass too closely. This may dangerously startle the horse. Expect the unexpected!
- To drive or not to drive in wintery weather is a big decision. Ask yourself do you really need to travel, is it safe, and is it worth the risk? It’s OK to stay where you are.
