11 winter driving tips to keep you safe on Ontario roads

Whether we like it or not, winter is on its way. Someparts of Ontario are already seeing some snowfall.

On Monday morning,Steven Del Duca, minister of transportation,joinedMPP Indira Naidoo-Harrisin Haltonto ask Ontariansto do everything they can to keep roads safe this winter.

"We are asking all drivers to be our safety partners this winter," Del Duca said. "Help us keep our roads collision-free by preparing your vehicle, by planning your trip ahead and by slowing down in winter conditions."

DelDucaalsosaid MTO has taken steps to improve its communication with motorists this winter with amore informative websiteandtwitter feed.

Here are 11tips onsafewinter driving.

1. Create a 'survival kit'

Your survival kit should include items such as:gloves, booster cables, small shovel, windshield wiper fluid, first aid kit, torch, snow brush, candles, safety vest, water bottles and non-perishable energy foods.

Put the kitin the trunk of your car

2. Check weatherand road conditions often

Choose the route you'll take ahead of time and check the weather forecast to make sure you know what to expect before you hit the road.

3. Keep a safe distance behind snow plows

If you find yourself behind a snow plow, maintain a safe distance. Snow plow drivers do not always have the best visibility and can create clouds of snow that can reduce your visibility, as well.

4. If you don't already have them, get winter tires

They provide better traction, handling and braking andcan shorten your braking distance by as much as 25 per cent. All-season tires are not the same as winter tires. They lose their grip whenthe temperaturedips below 7C.

Drivers with winter tires arealsoeligible for an insurance discount starting Jan. 1, 2016.

• 5 things you should know about winter tires

• Winter tire insurance discount promised for Jan. 1 in Ontario

5. Slow down and give yourself extra travel time

This one might be obvious but it's important. Drive according to the road conditions around you and don't rely on the estimated time of arrival your GPS gives you.

6. Clear snow and ice from your vehicle

Make sure you clean all windows, mirrors, lights and the roof.Wait for any foggywindows to clear up so yourvisibility isn't poor.

7. Wear comfortable clothes

It's a good idea to layer up in the winter time, but having too many layers can restrict your movement and make it difficult to check your blind spot.

8. Keep afull gas tank

It can help reduce moisture in the fuel system andalso adds extra weight to your vehicle to slowit down.

9. Keep OPP numbers handy and travel with a fully-charged cellphone

The non-emergency number for the OPP is1-888-310-1122.For provincial highway conditions, go to www.ontario.ca/511or call 511.

10.Avoid using cruise control on slippery roads

It's easy to lose control of yourvehicle in bad weather if you rely on cruise control.

If driving conditions are really bad, or in the event of a serious ice storm or blizzard just avoid driving altogether.

11. Figure out the best way to recover from a skid for your vehicle

How your vehicle responds to a skid depends on whether or not it has rear wheel, front wheel or four wheel drive. If your vehicle has an anti-lockbraking system(ABS), learn how to use it correctly.

Check out this Canadian Automobile Association (CAA) brochure to figure out what will work best for your vehicle.