Winter driving tips and Collision Reporting Centre information

Winter driving tips and Collision Reporting Centre information

Tuesday, February 7, 2017 - 9:32 AM
Traffic Services:  416-808-1900

Improving road safety and traffic flow for pedestrians, cyclists and motorists is one of our goals in support of the Service priority and commitment to safe communities and neighbourhoods. 

The Toronto Police Service would like to remind drivers of the impending change of road conditions as a result of the winter storm moving into the city. The Service would like to offer drivers some winter driving tips to make your commute safer. 

“Winter is approaching. Road conditions can deteriorate rapidly. You need to plan ahead, adjust your speed and be prepared for a sudden change in traffic flows or road conditions. These simple changes to your driving behaviour could prevent a tragedy from occurring and get you home safely to your family,” said Superintendent Gord Jones, TPS Traffic Services.

The Toronto Police Service would like to remind drivers of the two collision reporting centres in the City of Toronto.

NORTH COLLISION REPORTING CENTRE 113 Toryork Drive:  416-808-2222
Open seven days a week, all year, 6 a.m. to midnight

EAST COLLISION REPORTING CENTRE 39 Howden Road:  416-808-2222
Open seven days a week, all year, 6 a.m. to midnight
If you are involved in a collision, Steer It,Clear It

When to "Steer It, Clear It":

• If there is only minor damage and the vehicle is driveable

• There are no injuries

• There is no significant debris on the roadway

Why "Steer It, Clear It":

• Reduces the likelihood of a secondary collision and potential for injury by 20%

• Reduces the length of time that a collision remains on the road by up to 65%

• Reduces congestion, fuel consumption and the impact on the environment

What you should do:

• Remove vehicle from the travel lanes

• Get name, phone number, driver's licence the and insurance information, make, model and year of vehicle

• Go to one of the of the two Collision Reporting Centres in Toronto within 24 hours

Create a drivers’ emergency kit. Your kit should include: pair of winter gloves, booster cables, shovel, container of windshield washer, first-aid kit, flashlight, snow brush, candles, safety vest, water bottles and granola bars or non-perishable high-energy foods. Put the kit in the trunk of your car. 

Check weather and road conditions often. 

Choosing the route ahead of time will help you be prepared and will ensure you know what to expect before you head out on the road. 

Keep a safe distance behind snow plows.

If you find yourself behind a snow plow, remember, the plows are there to help clear the snow and improve road conditions for you. By maintaining a safe distance, you ensure there is enough time for you to react to any change in traffic flows. Snow-clearing operations can create clouds of snow that can substantially reduce your visibility. 

Slow down and give yourself extra travel time

Drive according to the road and weather conditions. Posted speed limits are for a clear and dry day, not a snowy day

Clear snow and ice from your vehicle

Make sure you clean all windows, mirrors, lights and the roof of your vehicle. Wait for any fogged windows to clear so your visibility isn’t reduced and you are able to operate your vehicle safely. 

Wear comfortable clothes

It's a good idea to layer up in the winter, but having too many layers can restrict your movement and make it difficult to check your blind spot or operate your motor vehicle safely. Oversized boots could cause your feet to become stuck by the accelerator or brake pedals.

Keep a full gas tank

Quite often, drivers are commuting to and from Toronto with minimal amounts of fuel in their vehicles. Drivers whose vehicles run out of gas cause further traffic delays and also place themselves in danger when the vehicle has come to a stop in live lanes of traffic.

Keep emergency numbers handy and travel with a fully-charged cellphone

The non-emergency number for the Toronto Police Service is 416-808-2222. For provincial highway conditions, go to www.ontario.ca/511 or call 5-1-1.

Avoid using cruise control on slippery roads. It's easy to lose control of your vehicle in bad weather if you use cruise control. 

Figure out the best way to recover from a skid for your vehicle. How your vehicle responds to a skid depends on whether it has rear-wheel, front-wheel or four-wheel drive. If your vehicle has an anti-lock braking system (ABS), learn how to use it correctly. The technology in your vehicle is advanced.

Driver behaviour in some cases can exceed the capability of your vehicle's safety systems and road conditions, in this situation you are out of control. Slow down and give yourself extra space and time to react in case something occurs.

Traffic Services is dedicated to ensuring the safe and orderly movement of traffic within the City of Toronto. 

Please download the Toronto Police Service Mobile App for iOS or Android.

For more news, visit TPSnews.ca.

Constable Jenifferjit Sidhu, Corporate Communications, for Constable Clint Stibbe, Traffic Services