Winter Driving

Despite warnings from police officials, drivers often do not adjust their driving habits to account for poor road conditions - or refrain from travelling when recommended.  A single winter storm can result in literally hundreds of motor vehicle collisions across the Province. During the December 13 - 16 (2010) snow emergency, possibly up to 1,500 people were stranded on Lambton County roadways and Highway #402.  It is known that almost 700 travellers had to be housed in community emergency shelters and it is estimated that an equal number were also given shelter in private residences. It was observed that many people rescued from Highway #402 did not have basic items like boots and a winter coat with them. Always drive with caution, especially when conditions are poor and keep a winter survival kit in the trunk of your car.  Some advice to remember! Always listen to the radio for weather and road conditions before heading out (or check websites, or call the information numbers provided on this webpage).  Also, call ahead to your destination for conditions and possible cancellations.  If in doubt about the conditions, do not travel. Always dress appropriately for the season when travelling (even locally), or bring along suitable clothing in case you have to walk or remain in your vehicle for a long time. Obey traffic signs and road barricades.  It is illegal to go around a road closure sign and it is also dangerous! Carry a vehicle emergency kit which includes non-perishable food (see the information on this webpage). Always bring essential medications with you in case you become stranded. If there's snow, drive slow!  Visit the Ministry of Transportation website for driving/road conditions.  For current weather forecasts, visit The Weather Network and Environment Canada. Please click on the PDF file below for driving tips and a list of items you should include in your winter survival kit. Winter_Driving.pdf

ON THE ROAD Get your vehicle tuned up & have the condition of your tires & battery checked before winter hits. Listen to local weather & road condition reports before setting out on a trip.  If travelling long distances, call ahead to your destination for conditions. If you have access to the Internet, visit www.weatheroffice.ec.gc.ca or telephone 464-5121 for local weather conditions.  To obtain information about road conditions, visit www.mto.gov.on.ca & look under the heading, Travellers Information – Road Closures (you can look under the related link, World Weatherwatch for a map which indicates the conditions of Provincial highways). If the weather and travelling conditions are poor, delay your trip if possible.  Give road crews an opportunity to clear the way. Clear all windows on your vehicle of ice and snow before heading out & adjust your driving to account for road conditions.  Prepare a winter driving kit & keep the following items in your vehicle: Shovel Sand, kitty litter or traction mats Tow chain Compass  Cloth or roll of paper towels Warning light or road flares Extra clothing, heavy socks & winter boots Emergency food pack Booster cables Ice scraper & snow brush Matches and a “survival candle” Fire extinguisher Extra winter season windshield washer fluid Fuel line antifreeze Road maps First aid kit “Survival” blanket

 

Emergency Detour Routes

Emergency Detour Routes (EDRs) are developed by the Ministry of Transportation, local police and municipalities.  The designated Routes are utilized when an unscheduled Provincial Highway closure occurs because the roadway is impassable due to a collision, or emergency work needs to be performed.  Signs, and often gates, will direct traffic off the Provincial road and onto the designated EDR.  Once off the Highway, signs direct travellers along the Route and back onto the Provincial road, past the closure site. London Line (County Road 22) is the designated Emergency Detour Route for Highway #402 in Lambton County and is often used following collisions on the Highway.  It should be noted that EDRs are not necessarily intended to address poor weather conditions.  In Lambton County, London Line parallels the Highway within a couple of kilometres therefore, the weather conditions affecting the Highway, are likely affecting London Line.  So, if there are warnings about the poor condition of Highway #402, London Line and other east-west routes will likely be as bad or worse!  Stay where you are if possible.

Severe Cold Weather

Residents of Lambton County should take precautions during severe cold weather.  The public is urged to listen to local weather forecasts and to pay particular attention to Environment Canada’s wind chill index for updates.

Overexposure to cold may result in hypothermia, which occurs when a person’s body temperature drops below normal.  Normal body temperature ranges from 36.1 to 37.8 degrees Celsius (97 to 100 degrees Fahrenheit).  Symptoms of hypothermia may include pale skin, lethargy, confusion and hallucinations.  In the initial stages a person may shiver a lot, but as their body temperature drops shivering may also decrease.

In a severe case of hypothermia a person becomes unconscious, their breathing is shallow, their pulse is irregular and hard to detect.  If someone is found with these symptoms, immediate emergency medical treatment is necessary to prevent coma or death.

If you suspect someone may be suffering from hypothermia:

• Seek medical attention immediately.
• If possible, move the person to a warm area and dress them in warm clothing.
• Offer warm water, juice or milk.
• Do not offer alcohol or hot drinks (alcohol alters blood flow, causing surface blood vessels to open, allowing the body to lose heat faster, creating a false sense of being warmer).

To avoid hypothermia or frostbite people should:

• Dress warmly and in layers.
• Wear a hat – up to 50% of body heat escapes through the head.
• Drink plenty of fluids to avoid dehydration (remember that drinks containing caffeine can dehydrate).
• Avoid alcohol.
• Limit outdoor activity.
• Stay dry – wet clothing chills the body; remove outer layers or open your coat if sweating.
• Know your limits – children, the elderly and those with circulation problems are more susceptible to the cold. 

Symptoms of frostbite include:

• Skin turning red, blue or a gray/white.
• Pain, numbness and stiffness, especially in fingers, toes, ears and nose which are most susceptible.

If you suspect frostbite:

• Warm the skin next to the affected area or immerse in warm water (not hot).
• Don’t rub the area. Re-warming may take 30-60 minutes.
• Seek emergency medical treatment for a severe, blistering case of frostbite.