Safe Driving ProceduresUncategorizedFebruary 22, 2017According to the Ontario Provincial Police, on February 12 2017 there were about 400 car accidents that occurred within a single day in the GTA. While the winter months are usually accompanied by an influx of accidents, having that many in one day is quite alarming. This begs the question as to how drivers are adjusting their driving during extreme weather conditions, especially during a massive snowstorm. It seems certain people are not making those adjustments and are driving one way the same way under any circumstances, thereby causing accidents on the road. With that being said, here are some helpful tips for drivers on how to be extra careful when on the roads during inclement weather conditions. Slow Down Conventional wisdom dictates that when driving during inclement weather conditions it is necessary to slow down. Even small coating of snow or rain can cause your tires to hydroplane and slide. Making a turn or even accelerating at the same speed you would during normal weather conditions becomes risky and dangerous. Double Your Distance People tend to be impatient which ends up being big trouble when driving on slippery roads. Tailgating is all too common when driving during normal road conditions however it is especially dangerous when the snow hits. It takes a much longer distance to fully stop when driving on snow or ice, and the amount of distance you would normally give to the vehicle ahead of you, simply isn’t enough. Even if you have installed winter tires, it is always a good idea to give yourself some space. Prepare Before Heading Off To Unfamiliar Destinations You should have no problems getting to any destination that you have frequented, but what about reaching places you’re not familiar with or have never been to? Many car accidents are caused by people who don’t know where they are going. Sometimes they make a wrong turn or suddenly stop, thereby causing problems for drivers around them. A good idea is to plan ahead and be well versed in what streets you need to turn on and which ones to take before embarking on your journey. Don’t think just because you have a GPS that everything is solved; some GPS devices are notorious for leading you down roads you didn’t plan on using. A physical map, or reviewing a set of directions prior to your trip is a good backup plan in case you have a misbehaving GPS. Taking some simple precautionary measures, such as putting on winter tires to ensure that you have a smooth safe trip on the road, no matter the weather conditions.