Kenora Fire and Emergency services were dispatched to a single-vehicle incident on Darlington Drive early Monday morning. The vehicle went off the road and collided with a tree after the region was hit with a small snowstorm. The two 24-year-old occupants of the vehicle sustained minor injuries.
Maria Bagdonas is Centre Director with Young Drivers of Canada and says we need to keep in mind that winter driving is upon us and we need to be cautious.
“With the snow that’s falling, it’s just a reminder to all drivers to pack your patience. Spend a little extra time in your driveway, cleaning off all the snow on your car. Visibility is not an option. Let your headlights and wipers do their thing. Driver slower, be conscious of the space around you and be prepared for drivers that may not be experienced with the conditions they are driving in. Even someone who hasn’t got their winter tires on yet could be a problem for the rest of us on the road,” said Bagdonas.
Drivers are also advised to focus on driving and put away cell phones and other distractions. Look for reflections on the road – what looks like water may actually be ice. Steer gently on curves and in slippery conditions. Hard braking, quick acceleration and abrupt gear changes can cause you to skid. Avoid using cruise control on wet, snowy or icy pavement – it reduces your reaction time and vehicle control. If you do skid, release your brakes and steer in the direction you want to go. Be careful not to over-steer.
If you plan a road trip this winter, it is also a good idea to pack an emergency kit, including a charged cell phone, non-perishable food, water, flashlight, blanket, warm clothes, jumper cables, shovel and traction mats or sand.