Ontario is a province that has a multitude of highways running through and around it. Knowing how to drive on highways is an essential skill that all Ontario drivers should know, especially if you need to commute to another city for work. Read on to learn more about driving on Ontario’s highways, such as how to navigate traffic and deal with adverse weather conditions.
How to Enter and Exit a Highway
Entering and exiting a highway can be one of the most challenging aspects of highway driving, as it involves merging with high-speed traffic and navigating interchanges. The on-ramp is designed to allow you to accelerate to match the speed of vehicles already on the highway. When approaching an on-ramp, gradually speed up and check your mirrors and blind spots for any vehicles in the left lane.
Before merging, use your turn signal to communicate to other drivers that you intend to merge onto the highway. Aim to reach the same speed as the vehicles in the right lane of the highway, and look for a gap in traffic. When it’s safe, steer your vehicle into that gap while maintaining your speed. Avoid sudden movements or braking, as this can create hazards for both you and other drivers.
When looking to exit a highway, look for signs indicating the upcoming exit well in advance, and use your turn signal to indicate that you intend to exit the highway. Begin to slow down once you are in the deceleration lane (the lane leading off the highway), as the exit ramp will often have a lower speed limit. Follow the exit ramp without making abrupt lane changes, and keep an eye out for any signs indicating further directions or upcoming intersections.
Avoid performing last-minute merges, since this could put you and other drivers in danger. It’s better to wait for a safe gap rather than forcing your way into traffic. If you notice vehicles weaving between lanes near interchanges, leave enough space to stop safely since they might be trying to merge or exit the highway unexpectedly.
Understanding Speed Limits and Lane Discipline
Ontario’s highways have varying speed limits, typically ranging from 80 km/h to 110 km/h. You need to obey these limits and adjust your speed according to weather and traffic conditions. Driving too fast or too slow can be dangerous and may result in fines or demerit points.
When it comes to lane discipline, the left lane is generally reserved for passing. If you’re driving in the left lane and a faster vehicle approaches from behind, move to the right lane to allow them to pass safely. It’s dangerous – not to mention illegal – to cut in front of a car if you’re driving slower than them, so let faster cars overtake rather than putting yourself and other motorists at risk.
When you want to change lanes, use your turn signal well before you intend to switch lanes. This will communicate your intention to drivers around you and allow them enough time to react to your driving. Make sure to keep your speed while smoothly turning into your desired lane, instead of slowing down and abruptly turning. This keeps you from disrupting the regular traffic speed and flow, making it much safer for everyone.
Paying Attention and Avoiding Distractions
Driving on a highway requires your full attention and concentration. With a multitude of cars around you all following the speed limit, a momentary lapse in focus can result in a dangerous high-speed accident. In 2023, there were more than 26,000 collision-related accidents in Ontario, and keeping yourself aware and alert while driving on a highway is a big step to ensuring your safety.
Before you set out onto the highway, make sure that you’re well-rested and wide awake. Fatigue can be just as dangerous as distraction or impairment, so if you feel drowsy, pull over at a safe location and take a break. Avoid distractions such as using your phone, adjusting the radio, eating or drinking, looking over at other passengers in the vehicle, and manipulating things in your vehicle with one hand.
Make sure that you’re not just paying attention to the road in front of you, but also the cars around you. Frequently check your side and rearview mirrors to keep tabs on where other cars are in relation to your vehicle, and maintain a safe braking distance from the car in front of you. When switching lanes, confirm that you’re clear of any potential hazards and check your blind spots before steering to another lane.
Dealing with Adverse Weather Conditions
Ontario’s weather can be unpredictable, with heavy rain, snow, and ice being common occurrences. When driving in adverse weather conditions:
- Reduce your speed and increase following distance.
- Use your low-beam headlights to improve visibility.
- Avoid sudden braking or acceleration.
- Be extra cautious on bridges and overpasses, as they tend to freeze first.
- Steer gently and avoid yanking the steering wheel.
- Outfit your vehicle with winter tires if you plan on driving on snowy roads.
- Maintain a safe distance from snowplows and avoid passing them to prevent blowing snow from obscuring your sightlines.
If visibility becomes severely limited or road conditions become hazardous, consider pulling over at a safe location, such as a rest area or service center.
Handling Emergencies and Breakdowns
Despite your best efforts, emergencies and breakdowns can still occur. If you have a flat tire or your vehicle breaks down, safely pull over to the shoulder and activate your hazard lights. If possible, exit the highway at the next available exit or service area.
If you’re involved in a collision or witness one, call 911 immediately if there are injuries or if the vehicles are blocking traffic. If the vehicles are drivable and no one is injured, move to a safe location and exchange insurance information with the other driver/s.
Key Advice from MyChoice
- New drivers should practice driving in low-traffic areas before attempting to drive on a busy highway.
- Make sure that you have a valid Ontario car insurance policy before driving on a highway to avoid penalties or other legal issues.
- Properly outfitting your car with winter tires can potentially lower your insurance rates.