What you need to know about winter driving in the GTA
When winter hits, it hits hard in Toronto and the surrounding area. You see the rookie drivers on the road. Cars are in ditches and the accidents are everywhere. You think twice before even leaving your home because you know that it’s going to take longer to get around. You feel like screaming at the top of your lungs when you haven’t moved for one hour straight because the route hasn’t been cleared.
Here's what you need to know about winter driving in the GTA.
You need to get your winter tires on early
It’s pretty much never too early to get those winter tires on. It could be warm one day in November and the next day it’s snowing (this happens). Get those tires on to avoid long lines. You don’t want to be caught off guard on your way home from work in November when that first snow fall hits.
You should really watch out during peak times
I know that I’m kind of stating the obvious here, but peak times are a disaster on the roads when it snows. You might be better off staying at work an extra hour just to avoid the roads. You might also want to think about taking public transit because there are some days you won’t make it very far because the snow plows haven’t had a chance to hit all of the main roads yet. Some side streets don’t get cleared until much later in the day.
Clean the ice and snow off your car
I still see folks driving with snow/ice on their cars. This is dangerous to other drivers because when you’re going fast, the ice will fly off. You have to be concerned about your safety and the safety of everyone else on the road.
Plan your trips in advance
I always check the road conditions in advance in the winter because I don’t want to get stuck. I also try to keep some essentials in the car so that I’m ready for the worst-case scenario. It’s beneficial to have the following items on you in the winter:
- Small shovel
- An extra pair of gloves
- Water
- Sweater
- Full tank of gas
You don’t want to be stuck on the road in the freezing cold. A few minutes of extra preparation will save you from a potential disaster. You also might want to cancel non-essential plans because there are certain times when the roads won’t be cleared for hours.
Stay warm and good luck on those roads in the winter. Hopefully the snow melts away quickly this year.