Five tips for a safer drive this spring

With the nicer weather upon us, the last thing you should do is let your guard down on the road. Just like winter, we need to be extra cautious on the road due to changing conditions. Here's five tips to help you stay on top of safety this spring:

1. Double check those new summer tires

   Winter tires should be left on until the air temperature is at least 7 C or higher. In Ontario, conditions are ideal at the end of April. When you do swap out your winter tires, always check the wheel nuts on your summer tires following installation to ensure they're nice and tight and again a week (or about 50 km) later to ensure they haven't loosened. In the spring, losing wheels is a big cause of accidents on the road.

2. Replace your windshield wipers

   Winter can wreak havoc on vehicles, including wiper blades. It's recommended to change your windshield wipers in the spring to maintain optimal effectiveness. This will ensure you have proper visibility when you get stuck in those spring showers.

3. Look out for people and wildlife

   During the spring, we all come out of hibernation and enjoy the beautiful weather, that includes both people and wildlife. Be cautious of cyclists, motorcyclists, pedestrians, and animals on the road. This means always stopping at crosswalks and being aware in pedestrian corridors, playgrounds and school zones. On Highway 407 ETR, we've spotted turtles, raccoons, deer, geese, and other species on the roadway. If you pass one animal, look around, there might be more since they often travel in groups.

4. Share the road

   Along with watching for wildlife, cyclists, and pedestrians, spring often means road maintenance. Highway 407 ETR road crews are working day and night to ensure your drive is safe and remains stress-free. Starting mid-April, you can find them sweeping the Highway, washing and inspecting bridges, line painting, and repairing signs, fences and barriers. You may also see them on the side of the road cutting grass, inspecting drainage including ponds, and doing vegetation control. It's important to respect all traffic signs to ensure everyone's safety.

5. Carry an emergency kit

   Last but certainly not least, it's important to carry an emergency kit stocked with the essentials such as:

   • Energy bars
   • Water
   • Gloves
   • Air compressor
   • Blanket
   • First Aid Kit
   • Safety Vest
   • Rain poncho
   • Jumper cables
   • Head strap
   • Batteries
   • Flare
   • Blanket

We hope you will be prepared in any weather, so you have more time for the things that matter most. See you on the road!