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Hub Staff

USE CAUTION WHEN DRIVING

At long last winter weather has arrived county officials are asking motorists to drive safely and be prepared.

Stay informed about road conditions (links below).

"Drivers are encouraged to use care and caution in winter weather as these conditions can change at a moment's notice," read a November 28 media release from Bruce County.

Good condition and working winter tires, wipers and washer fluid will help drivers prepare for quickly changing conditions. "Check road conditions and give yourself extra travel time," the release said.

Having an emergency kit in the vehicle is recommended as well as driving with headlights and taillights on, reducing driving speed, leaving extra space between you and other vehicles and avoiding sudden braking and accelerating.

"Slippery conditions require caution," read the release. "See and be seen."

Consider conditions when deciding to pass another vehicle. Use your signals, consider conditions and watch for vehicles both approaching and passing from behind. Pavement lines can be snow covered and are simply a guide. When there is snow and ice present, take it slow.

Do not drive on closed roads and don't stop on a roadway in whiteout conditions. Also remember that snow plows travel at a speed of 25 to 60 kilometres per hour so exercise patience and caution and while passing is not encouraged, if you do decide to pass ensure adequate distance, safe road conditions and space to return to your lane.

"To drive or not to drive in wintery weather is a big decision," the release said. "Ask yourself do you really need to travel, is it safe, and is it worth the risk."

EQUIP YOUR VEHICLE WITH AN EMERGENCY KIT

Ray Lux, Bruce County Emergency Management Coordinator said that being prepared for winter weather includes being prepared while travelling.

"First responders may not be able to get to you right away due to call volume or weather conditions," Lux said in a November 28 media release from the County. "Please be prepared to keep yourself and your family safe and warm until help can arrive."

If you find yourself in a ditch or stranded due to closed roads, equipping your vehicle with an Emergency Kit can help keep you more comfortable and safer until help arrives.

What to include in a winter weather Emergency Kit:

Blanket and warm clothes, such as hats, gloves and a scarf
Snacks and water
Flashlight and extra batteries
Whistle
Cell phone charger
Portable snow shovel and ice scraper
Basic First Aid supplies

Additional items could include:

Booster cables
High visibility vest
Reflective safety triangle
Tow rope

For road conditions and closers:

Bruce County: www.brucecounty.on.ca/road-conditions

Grey County: www.grey.ca/resident-services/county-roads/road-conditions-closures-cameras