Be Aware and Stay Safe on Mississauga Roads this Winter

Mississauga roads will be busier than ever this December with people shopping, getting together with family and friends and celebrating the many holidays. With the higher activity comes a higher risk for collisions. That’s why the City is reminding all road users to stay alert and be safe when moving around the city.

“With fewer daylight hours, weather conditions that decrease your visibility and more people out and about for holiday celebrations, it’s especially important to be alert when using our roads this time of year,” said Mayor Bonnie Crombie. “We want to make sure everyone gets where they’re going and home again safely. If you’re driving, please avoid distractions. Slow down and stay alert. If you’re walking, cycling, taking transit or using another mode of transportation, please remember it’s important to be visible and give yourself extra time to get to your destination.”

According to Peel Regional Police, impaired driving and distracted driving continues to be a concern in Mississauga. Impaired driving is driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol. Distracted driving is the use of any handheld communications device and display screens like a phone, tablet or gaming console.

“Impaired driving is the leading cause of criminal death and injury in Canada. This holiday season, our Reduce Impaired Driving Everywhere (R.I.D.E) program will be out checking for drivers impaired by drugs and/or alcohol throughout Mississauga,” said Inspector Wendy Sims, Road Safety Services, Peel Regional Police. “We remind all drivers that the consequences of distracted driving and impaired driving are devastating. Stay focused on the road at all times, and don’t drive impaired. Road safety is everyone’s responsibility. If you suspect that someone is impaired, call 9-1-1. You may save a life.”

The City is also prepared to keep City roads clear this winter to ensure routes are safe and accessible.

“Whether you’re working or playing this winter season, our crews are ready to clear roads, priority sidewalks, on-street bike lanes, bus stops, pedestrian crossings and paved trails to keep you safe,” said Geoff Wright, Commissioner, Transportation and Works. “Please be patient as we work to clear roads of ice and snow. If you’re driving, remember to clear snow off your car and give room to snow clearing equipment.”

For more road safety information and additional safety tips, visit mississauga.ca/roadsafety.

For more information about the City’s winter maintenance program, visit mississauga.ca/snow

To learn more about impaired driving and distracted driving, visit peelpolice.ca/en/safety-tips/road-safety.aspx

BACKGROUNDER:

Winter Road Safety Tips:

Practise safe winter driving behaviours by remembering to:

• Plan a safe way home: Don’t drive impaired (alcohol or cannabis). Rely on a safe transportation option instead.
• Clean off your car: Clear snow and ice from all windows, the roof of your car and headlights to ensure you have an unobstructed view and others can see you clearly.
• Avoid distractions: Focus on the road when driving. Send text messages or make phone calls before you get in your car or once you reach your destination.
• Drive for the road conditions: Slow down in bad weather like snow or ice. Give snow clearing equipment room to do their job.
• Give yourself more time: Get to your destination safely by planning extra travel time.
• Look for pedestrians and cyclists: Evenings get darker sooner this time of year, so it’s important to do a scan for pedestrians and cyclists before turning, when entering/exiting driveways or roadways and in parking lots as they are busy this time of year. Be cautious when making turns around snowbanks as they can impact visibility.

If walking, cycling or using another mode of active transportation:

• Give yourself extra time: Getting to your destination may take longer with icy and snowy conditions on roads. Make sure to plan ahead and leave earlier. If cycling, consider reducing your speed, especially around corners.
• Travel according to conditions: Slow down in icy and snowy conditions.
  • If walking, shoes with good treads and rubber or neoprene soles provide extra traction.
  • If cycling, try changing the tires on your bike – thick ones have better grip on snow. Give yourself extra space whenever you brake. Avoid metal surfaces and roadway paint markings as they can be slippery.
• Help increase your visibility: Use a crosswalk or crossride when possible. If cycling, use reflectors and bike lights – a white light in the front and a red light and/or reflector in the back.
• Be aware of your surroundings: Make sure to watch for cars when passing snow banks.

Tags

• Public Safety