THUNDER BAY -- City police are urging motorists to drive with caution following a morning of extreme cold that saw several traffic collisions.
Following is a fact sheet police would like area motorists to consider due to icy conditions throughout the city. This information has been provided by the Thunder Bay Police Service:
How This Week in Weather Will Affect Your Driving
Police have had to respond to several minor collisions this morning, most happening on the north side of the City. All appear to be related to drivers not driving to conditions.
Four points to consider in order to stay safe during this week's daily commute:
1) Basic chemistry says that the road salt is effective in ambient temperatures warmer than -15C. There is a small variance where afternoon sun can heat asphalt surfaces a few degrees. We won't see that temperature point until 2 p.m. today.
2) We are into a sustained weather pattern that has very cold temperatures at night, sunny afternoons and a brief period in late day where road salt can be expected to begin to melt ice and cause slushy spots.
3) When temperature begin to plummet as the sun goes down and continuing into overnight lows, the roads freeze up again and we can expect icy spots. Sand that was applied the previous day may have been washed away.
4) Effective safe driving behaviors will include a reduction in speed and increased following distances, especially in early hours of the day.
Please drive with full attention and don't let that wonderful sunshine make you think that you can go any faster.
