GTA Gets A Late Blast Of Winter

Posted April 5, 2007 12:00 pm.

This article is more than 5 years old.

Just when you thought it was safe to put the parka and gloves away, winter returned with a vengeance Thursday.

GTA residents woke up to find a dusting of white on the ground, not enough to send the snow ploughs into action but certainly enough to cause car accidents and make walking treacherous.

In fact, the slippery conditions created major havoc on Toronto roads as drivers were forced to relearn their winter driving skills just as they were getting used to warm spring weather.

The northbound lanes of the Don Valley Parkway were closed at the Gardiner Expressway for about an hour on account of a multi-vehicle collision blocking the roadway near Richmond St. Minor injuries have been reported, and the road wasn’t going to reopen until salters and sanders had a chance to coat the roadway.

The flurries began to fall overnight Wednesday into Thursday morning, and they’re expected to continue through the day and on and off throughout Easter weekend. Temperatures are expected to hover around the freezing mark until Monday, when they go on the rise to a more seasonable 6C in the GTA. With the wind chill, the next few days could feel a fair bit colder, down to -6C

Much of the province is expected to see the same kind of conditions, although in certain spots there could be significant snowfall. Timmins has received 30 cm already and Kingston could receive 15 cm.

The sudden snow and reduced visibility was also being blamed for a downtown accident at about 6:30am Thursday. A truck apparently ran over an unmarked police car on Adelaide St. near University Ave. Firefighters had to use the Jaws of Life to get the trapped cop out of the crushed vehicle. Fortunately he only suffered minor injuries.

And north of the city, snow contributed to a nine-car crash that closed the northbound Highway 400 lanes at Major Mackenzie.

OPP Sgt. Cam Woolley confirms drivers often aren’t used to these late blasts of winter.

“A lot of people have taken their snow tires off and apparently put their winter driving skills away too,” Woolley said.

“We want to remind people especially if you’re planning to be travelling around on Easter, we have severe winter weather expected right through Saturday. Number one cause of crashes is people not adjusting for conditions, and conditions are changing rapidly. You’ll find yourself in almost dry roads and clear sky, and then we have whiteouts and a lot of ice on the roads. You’ve got to leave extra room, and extra time.”

To check the weather forecast, click here.

General Tips

~Leave a lot of room. Cops say a gap of at least three times the norm is the best way to ensure you can stop.

~Leave extra time. You can’t get there as fast as usual, so either leave early or don’t expect to be there when you should.

~Slow down. It’s obvious, but when you’re leaving that extra room, it’s tempting to speed up. Don’t.

~Brake earlier. Don’t wait until the last minute to try and stop at a stop sign or a light. You may not be able to.

~Starting is sometimes as bad as stopping. Accelerating on slippery roads can be as dangerous as putting on the brakes. Lightly step on the gas to get going after a stop, to avoid skidding.

~Ensure visibility for both you and others. Clean off your back and side windows and your roof if they’re snow covered, and turn on your lights.

~Look ahead. Scan several cars in the distance to ensure you know what those far ahead of you are going to do, increasing your reaction time.

~Top up your tank. You could be sitting in traffic for a while, and don’t want to run out of gas.

~Top up your washer fluid and keep an extra bottle in your trunk.

~Check your heating and electrical system.

~Check your battery and clean the terminals, especially if they’re more than 5 years old.

~Use snow tires.

~Don’t try to pass a snow plow. They’re slow, but they’re out there for a reason and will clear the road in front of you.

~Take a cell phone. If you have an emergency or see someone else in one, you can use it to call for help. But keep off it during your commute if you can. Your attention has to be on the road.

~If you’re worried about driving in these conditions, consider public transit.

~Watch for pedestrians. You may be responsible, but sometimes they aren’t. They still tend to cross the road where there are no lights, and don’t seem to realize it takes you a lot longer to stop than it normally would.

~Be patient. In the end, like the story of the “Tortoise and the Hare”, slow and steady really does win this race.

What To Do If You’re In An Accident

A lot depends on how serious it is. You should report the mishap to the police, but in winter conditions, you can’t expect them to be there anytime soon – if at all.

If the damage is minimal and no one is hurt, you can simply exchange information with the other driver and take your story to one of the city’s collision reporting centres within 24 hours.

Get the cars off the road A.S.A.P., and call a tow truck if necessary. You only need to involve police if:

~There’s a death or serious injury.

~The accident is a result of criminal behaviour (like impaired driving or a stolen car).

~The mishap involves a T.T.C. bus or streetcar or a federal or provincial vehicle.

~The accident involves someone who’s not insured or whose license is already under suspension.

~It involves a vehicle or truck transporting dangerous goods, like chemicals.

~If there’s serious property damage.

Collision Centre Locations

They’re open 24 hours, seven days a week, and can be found at:

Scarborough
39 Howden Rd.
(Lawrence E., between Warden and Birchmount.)

Etobicoke
855 Oxford St.
(Near Royal York Road, between QEW and Evans Ave.)

North York
113 Toryork Dr.
(Near Weston Road, between Steeles and Finch)