Police are reminding drivers to get the appropriate tires on their vehicles over the winter months.
OPP Constable Jay Denorer says to ensure drivers stay safe through snowy, wet and cold conditions, he says winter tires are worth every penny.
"What they do is allow the cars to not hydroplane," says Denorer. "They have their channels and groves, and they'll push the water away from the tires out the sides. That will allow the tires to stay in contact with the surface of the roads."
Denorer has seen far too many crashes on Hwy. 401 that could have been prevented with winter tires part of the equation.
"Especially during the winter time, sections of it, without any notice, will become a black ice situation," says Denorer. "You'll have a lot of cars going off into the centre median, through the centre median and into oncoming traffic, or just going into the ditch. There could be minor damage to the vehicle, going into personal injury."
Denorer says it's always good to expect the unexpected, even having a kit inside your car.
"Be prepared as you're heading out. Make sure you have emergency supplies with you. From a charged cellphone, non-perishable foods, flashlights, blankets, warm clothes. You just never know. When you're driving down the highway, you never know if you'll end up in a ditch. We want to make sure you have enough food and water, you're warm, and you can call out if need be," says Denorer.
Braking distance can be cut by as much as 25% with winter tires compared to all-season tires in addition to improving traction and control in snowy and icy conditions.