Toronto Police Urge Caution on Slippery Roads Amid Slushy Conditions
Toronto’s road conditions have become hazardous as the city faces slippery weather, prompting warnings from the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP). In just one day, there were approximately 220 collisions and 120 instances where drivers required assistance to remove their vehicles from dangerous situations.
Winter Weather Advisories
Sgt. Kerry Schmidt of the OPP emphasized the preventable nature of these incidents, attributing them to drivers’ excessive speed and inattentiveness. He encouraged residents to adapt to winter conditions, particularly on sidewalks and inner-city roads that remain treacherous due to snow and slush.
Driving Safety Tips
To navigate the slushy streets safely, drivers are advised to follow these guidelines:
- Clear all snow and ice from vehicles before driving
- Expect changing conditions and adapt accordingly
- Drive slowly and cautiously
- Maintain extra space between vehicles
- Utilize mirrors and headlights effectively
- Keep hands on the wheel and eyes on the road
Schmidt highlighted that many drivers are unprepared for such weather, referring to the recent snowfall as a wake-up call.
Seasonal Weather Insights
Toronto recorded its most substantial single-day snowfall of 10 centimeters since 1937 on Sunday. David Phillips, a retired climatologist, mentioned that while this was significant, it did not necessarily predict a severe winter ahead. The early snowfall serves more as a preparatory scenario rather than a definitive forecast for the upcoming season.
As the winter progresses, Environment Canada has issued a travel advisory for the Greater Toronto Area (GTA), urging drivers to maintain a safe distance from snow removal equipment. Despite the cold weather, forecasts suggest that temperatures may warm up in the following days, leading to a mix of rain and dissipating snow.
City Preparations
This recent snowfall allowed Toronto to implement and evaluate new snow management strategies put in place following last winter’s challenges. The city manager, Paul Johnson, noted the increased staffing and enhanced proactive snow removal efforts. Additionally, the city’s PlowTO map, which tracks the status of snow plowing in real-time, aims to be operational during subsequent snow events.
As Toronto prepares for ongoing winter weather conditions, residents are urged to exercise caution and remain prepared for unexpected challenges on the roads.
