Ontario Winter Roads: Recent Blizzard Chaos and How to Stay Safe Behind the Wheel

February 09, 2026, Kitchener, Ontario

Posted by: Robert Deutschmann, Personal Injury Lawyer

Ontario Winter Roads: Recent Blizzard Chaos and How to Stay Safe Behind the Wheel

When winter weather strikes in Ontario, even well-maintained roads can rapidly become treacherous. This past weekend, a severe blizzard in Southwestern Ontario left around 150 vehicles abandoned on Highway 402, stranding motorists and paralyzing travel for 24 hours as whiteout conditions and deep snowdrifts made roadways impassable. Snowmobilers, farmers, emergency crews and tow operators worked through the storm to reach drivers, but the incident highlighted a stark reality: choosing to drive in severe winter conditions can have serious consequences.

As a firm experienced in motor vehicle collisions and personal injury claims across KW and neighbouring areas, Deutschmann de Koning Law recognizes how quickly winter driving conditions can escalate into serious accidents. This post highlights dangerous roads in and around the Kitchener-Waterloo-Cambridge area, underscores the lessons from recent winter weather events, and outlines essential safety steps for anyone behind the wheel this winter.

Recent Blizzard in Southwestern Ontario: A Sobering Reminder

Over the weekend, a powerful winter storm brought heavy snow and strong winds across Southwestern Ontario, particularly in Lambton and Middlesex counties. Environment Canada issued blizzard warnings, and conditions deteriorated rapidly. By Friday night, highways like Highway 402 between London and Sarnia were effectively shut down, and travellers found themselves immobilized in blinding snow with limited visibility.

Approximately 150 vehicles were left abandoned as drivers were forced to stop or were unable to proceed, illustrating how quickly conditions can overwhelm even experienced motorists. While coordinated efforts from police, first responders and community volunteers ensured no serious injuries were reported, the incident prompted renewed warnings from authorities about planning and preparedness. 

The Ontario Provincial Police and emergency planners emphasize the importance of checking conditions before travel, carrying essential supplies, and reconsidering travel plans when blizzard warnings are in effect. 

Winter’s Most Challenging Roads: Relevance to Kitchener-Area Drivers

A recent study analyzing winter crashes and severe driving data across Ontario identified several roadways among the province’s most dangerous in winter weather. While not all are close to Kitchener, understanding where winter hazards cluster can inform travel decisions, especially for longer trips out of the region. 

Notable Risk Corridors

• Highway 402 (London to Sarnia): The site of this weekend’s blizzard paralysis, notorious for snowdrifts and whiteout conditions near Lake Huron and Lake Erie. (News Minimalist)

• Queen Elizabeth Way (QEW) near Burlington Skyway: Heavy traffic combined with winter winds and snow accumulation increases collision risk. (CityNews Toronto)

• Segments of Highway 401 (various busy interchanges in the Greater Toronto and Hamilton Area): Even Ontario’s busiest highway sees significant collisions when snow and ice hit. 

• Traditional Snowbelt Areas Across ROW and the Rural Areas

Roads Near Kitchener

While the study highlights provincial corridors, winter conditions impact drivers throughout Southwestern Ontario. In and around Kitchener-Waterloo-Cambridge, local roads such as Highway 7/8, Weber Street, King Street and rural connectors can become hazardous during and after storms. Traditional maintenance on these busy commuter routes tends to be prompt, but black ice, sudden snow squalls and untreated secondary roads increase risk for collisions and loss of control.

Even outside major storm events, the Greater Toronto and Hamilton Area recently experienced around 200 collisions and 125 vehicles stuck in snowbanks during a significant winter storm, reinforcing how quickly winter weather can overwhelm drivers in urban and suburban settings. (

Basic Winter Driving Safety Steps

To reduce your risk of collision or being stranded, follow these essential winter driving precautions:

1. Vehicle Preparation

• Winter Tires are Essential: Ontario’s Ministry of Transportation strongly recommends certified winter tires below 7 °C, as they provide superior traction on snow and ice.

• Winter Safety Kit: Carry blankets, water, non-perishable food, a phone charger, shovel, ice scraper and traction aids (sand or mats). Dont' forget the extra jug of washer fluid.

• Vehicle Maintenance: Check brakes, lights, wiper blades and fluid levels before winter travel.

2. Check Conditions Before Departure

• Environment Canada Forecasts: Always check current warnings and road conditions before hitting the highway. Heed the warnings

• 511 Ontario: Use highway condition reports to assess closures and hazards along your intended route.

3. Adjust Driving Behaviour in Winter

• Reduce Speed: Snow and ice significantly increase stopping distances. Avoid cruise control in icy conditions.

• Increase Following Safety Distance: Leave extra space between vehicles to account for reduced traction.

• Use Headlights: Visibility can drop suddenly in flurries or whiteout conditions like those seen on Highway 402 during the recent blizzard.

4. If Stranded

• Stay with Your Vehicle: It provides shelter and increases your chances of being located.

• Conserve Fuel and Heat: Run the engine periodically for warmth, but ensure the exhaust pipe is clear of snow to prevent carbon monoxide buildup.

If You’re in a Serious Winter Collision

Despite careful driving, winter conditions contribute to many collisions each season. If you or a loved one are involved in a serious accident with personal injury:

• Seek immediate medical attention.

• Document the crash scene and conditions if it is safe to do so.

• Call Deutschmann de Koning Law first: Our team has extensive experience handling winter-related motor vehicle collision claims across Ontario and can guide you through your legal options.

Winter driving demands respect for the elements and thoughtful preparation. Stay informed, exercise caution, and if the unexpected happens, professional support is just a call away.

About Deutschmann de Koning Law

Deutschmann de Koning Law serves South-Western Ontario with offices in Kitchener-Waterloo, Cambridge, Woodstock, Brantford, Stratford and Ayr. The law practice of Robert Deutschmann and Nick de Koning focuses almost exclusively in personal injury and disability insurance matters. For more information, please visit www.ddinjurylaw.com or call us at 1-519-742-7774.