Ready for the road - Log Book

New Driver's and Motorcyclist's Log Book

Weather and Road Conditions

The following pages list some common weather and road conditions as well as basic skills you as a car driver or motorcyclist will need to practice.

Weather

Clear weather usually means good visibility. But drivers seldom have perfect conditions. Whenever it's harder to see, harder to stop or harder to handle the vehicle, you'll need to take extra care. Your driving practice should include time under a wide range of conditions.

Night driving brings extra risk because it's harder to see, to tell how fast other traffic is moving and to judge how far away things are, which means drivers take longer to react. Using high beams whenever appropriate make it easier to see ahead. Remember to switch to low beams for traffic approaching from the opposite direction.

At dawn and dusk the sun is low on the horizon, creating glare and making it difficult for you to see others and for them to see you.

Rain makes roads slippery; tires cannot grip the road as well and it's harder to see. In the rain, braking, turning, changing lanes and passing should be smooth and steady.

Fog makes it very hard to see and be seen. Go slowly and cautiously, and use low beam headlights, not high beams.

In strong winds, it's important to slow down and hold the steering wheel firmly. Winds can also bring blowing snow, dust and dirt.

Snow, ice and freezing rain mean slippery roads, longer stopping distances and poor visibility. Slow down, and leave more space between vehicles.

Roads

Remember, unless accompanied by a licensed driving instructor, new drivers in Level 1 (Class G1), must not drive on any 400-series highway with a posted speed limit greater than 80 km/h, the Queen Elizabeth Way, Don Valley Parkway, Gardiner Expressway, E.C. Row Expressway or Conestoga Parkway.

Motorcycle drivers in Level 1 (Class M1), must not drive on a highway with a speed limit of more than 80 km/h, except on Highways 11, 17, 61, 69, 71, 101, 102, 144 and 655.

On residential roads, cyclists, pedestrians, children, animals and parked vehicles are all around you. Be prepared for the unexpected.

Multi-lane roads have more lanes of traffic, both beside you and in the opposite direction. Be prepared for intersections, signal lights, stop signs and railway crossings.

On gravel and dirt roads, ruts, potholes and ridges mean difficult steering and braking. Slow down on loose surfaces because traction is poor.

Light traffic may invite a more carefree attitude by drivers. It's important to obey speed limits and not take unnecessary risks.

• Ready for the Road... Earning your driver's licence in Ontario's graduated licensing system
• Ready for Ontario's Roads... Newcomers Guide to Graduated Licencing

For more information call: 1-800-387-3445

If you have any questions concerning new drivers and insurance, call the Insurance Bureau of Canada at 362-9528; from area code 807 call collect (416) 362-2031; elsewhere in Ontario call 1-800-387-2880.

Ready for the road is sponsored by Ontario's car insurance companies.