Pack a survival kit for winter driving

Wednesday, March 12, 2014, 7:37 PM -

Spring is just around the corner but it certainly doesn't feel that way in eastern Canada, with an intense storm impacting Ontario, Quebec and Atlantic Canada. Drivers are being encouraged to help keep the roads safe, and there are a few ways that can be accomplished. 

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Installing snow tires and getting your car in shape before the winter season starts is crucial, but officials say adjusting your driving habits is equally important.

Authorities in Ontario say it's common to see preventable collisions occur during a snow storm.

“We've seen instances of drivers speeding by the scenes of collisions, motorists driving on closed roadways, motorist passing fully marked cruisers as they travel to people in need of assistance and transport trucks loaded with cargo driving highway speeds during blinding storms,” says Inspector Mark Wright with the Western Region Ontario Provincial Police.

Wright adds that drivers may be facing clear and sunny skies one moment and then shortly after there could be intense, blinding snow squalls. As a result, all motorists should have a winter kit packed in their vehicle.

Here's a list of what emergency officials recommend you have in your car at all times:

• A cell phone and recharger
• List of important phone numbers (family, doctors, towing companies)
• Ice scraper and brush
• Booster cables
• Road maps
• Flashlight and batteries
• Blanket
• First-aid kit
• Extra windshield washer fluid and antifreeze
• Sand or salt
• A collapsible shovel