Clarington Emergency and Fire Services yesterday reported multiple accidents due to snow and slush on roads and highways.
It asked drivers to slow down and drive according to the road and weather conditions. “Already have had multiple accidents on the 401 and 115 Hwy,” said a tweet.
According to Environment Canada Winter Weather Travel Advisory for Southern Durham Region, some 7-14 cm of snow and poor visibility was projected for yesterday.
It had warned of slippery road conditions and low visibility at times until midnight last night.
Priority System
Meanwhile, the Oshawa and Region of Durham said they have a priority system in place to ensure roads are plowed and salted in the most effective manner, with the city maintaining only Oshawa roads.
The city began salting arterial and collector roads and will move on to residential streets.
“If you see salters or plows working, please give them space – do not follow too closely or try to pass. Please be reminded that vehicles parked on Oshawa streets while salting/snow clearing operations are underway may be ticketed and/or towed,” it warned.
Clear the way reminders
Now that the winter weather has arrived, Oshawa is encouraging everyone to be a good neighbour as snow and ice removal responsibilities take effect. Snow and ice on sidewalks can impact the ability of people to get around safely – including pedestrians with service animals, walkers, wheelchairs and strollers. Residents and businesses are responsible and required to clear the way around their property this winter.
- Property owners (residents, businesses and landlords) are required to completely remove snow and ice from sidewalks adjacent to their property by midnight of the first day after precipitation has ended.
- Continue to completely remove snow and ice from your sidewalks throughout a snow, sleet or freezing rain event. If the sidewalk is not completely cleared of snow and ice, the property owner may be fined $75 per day and invoiced costs associated with the removal of snow and ice.
- Property owners are also required to remove the ridges of snow from any public sidewalk which abuts their property where the sidewalk intersects or immediately abuts with a road. Do not push or blow snow from your property back on to the street. This is in violation of the Highway Traffic Act and it creates unsafe conditions.
- Where possible, pile snow on the right side of your driveway (as you face the street) so that cleared snow does not get moved back onto your driveway by the snow plow.
- Reduce the height of the snow bank at the end of your property by shoveling snow back further onto your property. This improves visibility when entering or exiting your driveway.
- Look for opportunities to assist your neighbours who may need help.
Winter fire reminders
Oshawa Fire Services is encouraging homeowners and property owners to ensure that fire hydrants and entrances are accessible for firefighters in case of an emergency.
If there is a fire hydrant in front of your home or business, remove accumulations of snow and ice around the fire hydrant.
Remove snow accumulations around exit doors, stairways and fire escapes so that occupants have safe ways out in an emergency.
Placement of garbage, green bin and recycling
Snowbanks, icy conditions and winter weather can make it difficult for waste collection operators to see and safely reach your garbage, green bin and recycling. Keep these reminders in mind when placing waste at the curb:
- Choose and maintain a collection area that is visible and at ground level.
- Keep a path from the road to your collectibles clear of snow and ice.
Clarington Reminders
The Municipality of Clarington said it is responsible for road maintenance during winter months to ensure the safety of all residents. Crews are responsible for plowing snow and laying down sand or salt for icy conditions on 892 kilometres of Municipal roads, or around 1,800 lane kilometres. Lane kilometres include all lanes in both directions, as well as turning lanes. View our winter storm guidelines to see a timeline of the snow-clearing process.
In order to help us clear the roads more effectively, please assist us by following Clarington’s by-law regarding vehicle operation. The by-law is applicable year round.
- Do not park on the road between the hours of 3 a.m. and 5 a.m., or for a period of longer than 3 hours.
- Do not push, plow or blow snow onto the road
- During late winter and early spring, follow weight restriction guidelines
Additional Resource: GET READY FOR WINTER DRIVING
YOU MIGHT ALSO LIKE: