Flurries will be flying this weekend, and local police are asking drivers to slow down. The first snowfall of the season always leads to a number of crashes, as drivers have yet to adjust to the conditions. Lake effect snow is in the forecast this weekend, and we could see 5-10cms of snow blow in off of Lake Huron Friday night and Saturday. OPP Constable Michelle Murphy says now is not the time to live in denial. "We live in Southwestern Ontario. We're going to get snow, we're going to get a mixed bag of precipitation, so people have to slow down." Police are also advising motorists to make sure their car is in good working order. Make sure all of your lights are working, and wiper blades are in good shape. Murphy is also stressing a must for every car is an emergency preparedness kit for your trunk. "Having a flashlight and a warm blanket. If you're not one to drive with your winter boots on, have your winter boots in the trunk of your car, a hat and gloves. You just never know what kind of situation you're going to be in. You just have to think back to a couple of years ago, on the 402, everything was shut down and people were stuck." Here's a checklist from the OPP to make sure your vehicle, and your driving is ready for the winter weather: OPP encourage all motorists to ensure their vehicles are fully prepared to meet the challenges winter driving brings. The checklist should include; Ensure your vehicle is mechanically sound and running well. Ensure your fuel tank is always above ? full. Check to make sure your exhaust is free of holes or leaks. Replace your windshield wipers and put winter washer fluid in the reservoir. Put on winter tires for added traction and stopping ability. Ensure the vehicles defrost and interior heaters are working properly. Check all running lights to ensure you can see and be seen. Police also encourage motorists have the following items in their vehicle should they become stranded; A fully charged cell phone. A call police sign. A fully charged flashlight. A battery operated radio. A warm blanket. A tin can and a candle to aid in keeping warm. Extra pair of winter boots, hat, gloves, hand/foot warmers. Bottled water/juice Snack/nutrition bars. These items will help you to survive winter conditions and to stay calm should you be stranded in a snow storm. Driving in winter conditions can be dangerous and frightening. Driving during periods of heavy snow or whiteout conditions is not recommended. OPP offer the following tips in relation to winter driving; Always check with your local media outlet, Environment Canada or the Ministry of Transportation (MTO) before venturing out onto the roadways. If you discover that a snow storm is imminent, modify your driving times to reflect the best driving conditions. Reducing your speed during snow events can improve your stopping distance and help to navigate where you are going. If you have to stop for any reason, activate your hazard lights and ensure you are well off the traveled portion of the roadway. Whenever possible, pull into a driveway or parking lot rather than remaining on the shoulder of the roadway. If you have to get out of your vehicle, ensure there are no other cars approaching and do so in safety. The safest place to be is inside your vehicle. If you end up stuck in a ditch and need to keep the motor running, ensure that your exhaust is clear of snow. This will prevent carbon monoxide from entering your vehicle. When using the engine, or a lit candle to heat your vehicle, ensure a couple of your windows are down about one inch to allow CO2 to escape the vehicle and allow fresh air to enter. Tell someone your route and when they can expect you to return. Call them if you are going to be late.
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