A spokesperson for the Canadian Automobile Association (CAA) says, if you haven't already, you should start planning and preparing for winter driving conditions.
Nadia Matos, Manager of External Communications for CAA South Central Ontario, said preparations should include making sure you have winter tires on vehicles.
"While you're at your mechanic, you can get them to check your car battery and then ensure that you have your breaks, your tires, your wiper blades, and headlights all in working condition as well," she said.
Matos said drivers should have a proper emergency kit with jumper cables, a flashlight, and a first aid kit. Vehicles should also be equipped with windshield wiper fluid, antifreeze, a snow brush and ice scraper, and perhaps a shovel.
"Winter time... it's really cold so having a blanket, some extra socks, a toque -- and some tealights with waterproof matches or [regular] matches in there, that'll also help keep you warm if you happen to be stranded on the side of the road and are waiting for help to come to you," Matos said.
If left stranded, Matos said it's important to first ensure your safety, try to stay calm, call for help, and take in your surroundings. She also said motorists should stay in the vehicle with their seatbelt on while waiting for a tow truck.
It was just two years ago when a major winter storm caused multiple collisions along Highway 401 and Highway 402, where many vehicles were left at the side of the road.
While Matos didn't have statistics specific for southwestern Ontario, she said on an average winter day, CAA receives about 3,000 to 4,000 calls across the south central territory.
"That can double during a winter storm," she said.
However, Matos said for the most part, motorists tend to heed the warnings to stay home during adverse weather events.
"It's the day after where we seem to get really busy because cars have been stationary and cold for a while and so we do spend quite a bit of time informing people about battery health and how important battery health is for the winter months," she said. "So if you hear some clicking or grinding, or you notice your lights are brighter when you're revving and dimming as you're idling... those are really good signs that your battery may not make it through the winter months. I think what a lot of people don't realize is that even a fully charged battery can lose power when the temperature dips below 0 Celsius."
Matos said the average car battery only lasts three to five years so having it tested (and replaced if needed) in the fall is a good idea.