‘Don’t be that driver:’ Police push safety with winter driving reminder

A snow-covered car is shown in a photo posted by police - file image.

Barrie police are reminding drivers to take a few extra minutes to fully clear their vehicles as winter weather settles in, saying failing to remove snow and ice can create dangerous conditions for everyone on the road.

In a video posted to social media, Const. Jackie Parkin, the Barrie Police Service’s community safety and well-being officer, urged motorists to slow down, clean off their vehicles and make safety a priority.

“Don’t be that driver… Take the time to clear off your car, slow down, and drive safe everyone,” police stated. Parkin added, “You may just get pulled over by the Barrie Police Service.”

Parkin walked viewers through what officers are looking for when they stop vehicles in snowy conditions. She said drivers should make sure their windshield wipers, headlights, roof and hood are completely free of snow and ice before hitting the road.

“It’s super important to have your car cleaned off,” she said. “In this weather it’s very dangerous out here already. We just need to make sure you stay safe and other drivers stay safe. We don’t want pieces of ice falling off your vehicle and hitting other cars. And we want you to be able to see while you’re driving.”

Police say snow-covered vehicles limit visibility and can send chunks of ice flying into traffic, creating hazards for nearby drivers.

The service is urging drivers to give themselves extra time in the morning, reduce speed when roads are slick, and clear their vehicles completely before heading out to avoid fines — and preventable collisions.

The message comes as Environment Canada issues a weather alert for snowfall Wednesday, with visibility expected to be reduced at times and travel to “likely be challenging.”

The agency warned snowfall accumulations could reach upwards of 15 cms as an Alberta clipper passes over the region.