Some roads across Windsor-Essex are still snow-covered or slushy even though the plows have been out since the early morning hours.
Road conditions across the region caused frustration for many drivers Monday night and Tuesday morning. The Ontario Provincial Police responded to 213 crashes between Windsor and the Greater Toronto Area before the evening rush hour started. Tuesday morning, there were another 57, but none have resulted in serious injuries.
In Windsor-Essex, there were 20 crashes Monday. That included a four-hour shut-down on Highway 401 at the roundabout at Highway 3 when a tractor-trailer jack-knifed.
snow plow by Will Merydith
In Windsor, the priority is the main roads. A release from the City of Windsor said plows should start working on side streets and residential roads later in the day on Tuesday.
The city is reminding residential property owners they have 12 hours to clear the sidewalks, while commercial property owners have four hours.
If you are shovelling your driveway or sidewalk, it is against municipal bylaws and the Highway Traffic Act to push the snow onto the road.
The city is also looking for volunteers for its Snow Angels program, and if you are interested, you can apply online, or by calling 311.
Meanwhile, the OPP is again urging drivers to slow down on the roads. A release from the OPP detachment in Bruce County said, "there is no secret to safe winter driving," and much of the advice given is common sense.
It includes checking weather and road conditions before you leave, giving yourself extra time on the roads, leaving a lot of space between your vehicle and the one ahead of you. Even making sure all the windows on your car is completely cleared of snow.
Police repeat it every winter, multiple times, so why are drivers not getting the message?
"I think everybody's in a hurry, and they think that because they've gotten away with it before, they'll get away with it again," said OPP Media Relations Coordinator Derek Rogers. "It's human nature to think that bad things that happen in life will always happen to somebody else."
Even if you are fortunate to live in a city with relatively mild winters, like Windsor, Rogers said it is just proper planning to have a winter survival kit in your vehicle. That would include extra clothing, winter boots, a blanket, snacks, water, candles and waterproof matches.
"It pays to be prepared," said Rogers. "I'm sure a lot of us remember back in 2011 where we had a major winter storm come through, and there were hundreds of drivers caught on the 402."
Also, a good idea? Make sure your phone is charged, your gas tank is full, and listen to local radio for updates on the road conditions.
Snow is not expected in the forecast again until Thursday.