Slow going on Niagara’s highways and roads

It was gradual going for commuters in Niagara Wednesday morning.

A mix of blowing snow and icy circumstances snarled visitors on Freeway 406 in St. Catharines, OPP Sgt. Kerry Schmidt mentioned earlier than including, “There have been no severe accidents.”

“There have been whiteout circumstances by means of there, however every little thing was cleared away,” he mentioned.

At one level, visitors was backed up on the northbound lanes from the exit to Freeway 58 in Thorold to Beaverdams Highway.

There was additionally a report from close to the Thorold tunnel that a car skidded into the again of a blocker truck, the type typically utilized by police and work crews for defense when on 400-series highways.

A Twitter submit from a resident mentioned it was gradual going within the Fort Erie-bound lanes of the QEW close to Victoria Avenue in Lincoln after a collision blocked the precise lane.

Niagara Regional Police Const. Phil Gavin mentioned there have been some collisions on roads the NRP patrols however no experiences of life-threatening accidents.

“Now we have seen greater numbers previously on account of winter climate occasions because it pertains to collisions,” Gavin mentioned. “The decrease numbers are a very good indication that drivers are taking their time and driving based mostly on the circumstances of the roadway, not essentially the pace restrict.”

An officer understanding of the NRP detachment in Grimsby took an image of street circumstances from the passenger seat in a cruiser earlier than tweeting, “West Niagara is at present experiencing vital snowfall with whiteout circumstances in areas. Please drive in line with street and climate circumstances.”

Police additionally provided suggestions for driving in winter circumstances, utilizing the Twitter hashtag #SeeSnowGoSlow.

Gavin mentioned snow-covered roads require drivers to decelerate and improve their stopping and following distances. That permits for lowered tire traction snow can create.

Icy circumstances make it a good suggestion to plan turns as a result of snow-covered roads can influence a driver’s potential to show the car. Decreasing pace can stop sliding or skidding that will happen.

One other tip is to plan forward and permit for further time. Gavin mentioned snow will increase the space it takes to do many issues from behind the wheel. Additionally it is necessary to heat and clear snow and ice from the car earlier than driving.

“By planning forward, you'll be able to scale back stress and the urge to attempt to pace and make up time,” Gavin mentioned.

Requested if there was another recommendation, Gavin reminded drivers that “vehicles and 4x4 automobiles will not be invincible” within the snow.