Staff Report
BRANT NEWS

Brantford police are warning drivers to slow down on the roads and prepare their vehicles for the winter season.

Police are offering the following tips to reduce the risk of property damage and injury caused by collisions during winter driving conditions:

- Stay at home if the weather is bad and a trip is not completely necessary.

- Drive according to weather and road conditions by reducing speeds and increasing following distances.

- Don’t be in a hurry. Leave extra time to reach destinations. Rushing increases stress levels, which leads to people taking chances with their speed, following distances and braking.

- Bridges, underpasses and areas where vehicles frequently come to a stop become icy first.

- Safely test road conditions before getting up to speed and monitor road conditions for changes during trips.

- Properly clear vehicles of snow and ice, including windows, lights and turn signals, before driving.

- Completely defrost windows before driving to provide the clearest vision possible. Driving with only a small patch of clear windshield to look through is a dangerous practice when visibility may already be limited by falling snow, freezing rain or darkness.

- Top up fluids, check wiper blades and install winter tires to ensure maximum control during poor weather conditions.

- Keep appropriate clothing, footwear and blankets in vehicles in case of an accident or getting stuck.

- Ensure cell phones are charged before leaving home in case of an emergency. Cold weather reduces the performance of batteries.