Ontario’s Most Dangerous Winter Roads + Essential Winter Driving Safety Tips

February 11, 2026, Kitchener, Ontario

Posted by: Robert Deutschmann, Personal Injury Lawyer

Winter in Ontario brings a unique set of challenges for drivers. Snow, ice, freezing rain and sudden whiteout conditions can make even familiar routes more hazardous. A recent safety analysis identified several Ontario roads as among the most dangerous in Canada during winter, underscoring the importance of preparing for winter travel and driving with caution wherever you go.

Top Winter Danger Spots in Ontario

Contrary to common belief, the 400-series highways aren’t always the most hazardous in winter when measured by crash rates. A Samsara study of fleet vehicle collision and harsh-driving data from 2022 to 2025 places some surprising roads at the top of the list: (The Weather Network)

• Erieau Road (Chatham-Kent): Ontario’s most dangerous winter road in the study. This two-lane road near Lake Erie frequently experiences lake-effect 

• Highway 17 (Kenora–Dryden): A key east-west route in Northwestern Ontario with long stretches exposed to wildlife crossings and severe winter conditions. 

• Highway 11 (Hearst–Kapuskasing): Northern central Ontario highway with extended rural sections, limited services and frequent harsh weather conditions. 

• Queen Elizabeth Way (Burlington Skyway): This busy corridor combines heavy traffic and winter weather hazards near Hamilton and Burlington.

• Steeles Avenue East: A major suburban arterial with high traffic volumes near the Greater Toronto Area. 

• Certain 401 segments: The 401 appears in the top ten at busy interchanges like Mississauga (401/403/410) and the collector-express sections near Pearson Airport. 

For drivers based in and around Kitchener, Cambridge and Waterloo this means staying alert regardless of whether you are driving locally or planning longer trips. While major highways like the 401 and 7/8 are better maintained, they can still become treacherous in storm conditions or during peak traffic periods. Local experience also shows that secondary roads (e.g., Weber Street, King Street, or Highway 7 through the region) can turn slick with ice, and drivers often encounter sliding vehicles or collisions when conditions deteriorate quickly.

Why Winter Roads Are Riskier

Winter driving hazards arise from a combination of weather and human factors:

• Snow, ice, and black ice reduce tire traction and make braking unpredictable. 

• Lake-effect snow, wide-open rural areas with high winds, and temperature fluctuations can create whiteouts, flash-freezing, and rapidly changing conditions. 

• High traffic volumes and commercial vehicles increase conflict points on busy corridors like the QEW or 401. 

• Rural roads and wildlife corridors have limited lighting and services, increasing the challenge for nighttime or long-distance travel. 

Statistically, winter accounts for a large share of Ontario’s collisions, with many crashes occurring during transition days around major holidays when traffic and inclement weather converge. 

Key Winter Driving Safety Steps

Reducing the risk of serious collisions involves preparation, vigilance and caution:

1. Equip Your Vehicle for Winter

• Install certified winter tires as soon as temperatures consistently drop below about 7 °C; they significantly improve traction and shorten stopping distances. 

• Perform a vehicle check-up (battery, brakes, lights, wipers, washer and other fluids).

• Keep your fuel tank at least half full to reduce moisture issues and provide extra weight for stability. 

• Pack a winter survival kit: flashlight, water, blankets, non-perishable food, jumper cables, scraper, shovel and traction aids like sand or mats. 

2. Prepare Before You Go

• Check the weather forecast and Ontario 511 road conditions before departure. 

• Delay travel if severe weather is forecast. Early morning and nighttime temperatures often bring black ice, especially on bridges and overpasses.

• Clear all snow and ice from windows, mirrors, lights and the roof to maximize visibility. (

3. Drive Defensively and Slowly

• Reduce speed well below posted limits when roads are snowy or icy, and never use cruise control in slippery conditions. 

• Increase following distance to allow more reaction and stopping time.

• Avoid sudden steering or braking; smooth, gentle inputs help maintain control. 

• Use headlights in low visibility and whiteout conditions. 

4. Manage Snowplow Encounters

• Never pass a working snowplow; visibility is reduced, and space is needed for plow operations. 

After a Collision: What to Do

Even with the best preparation, serious accidents can occur. If you are involved in a collision resulting in personal injury:

• Prioritize medical attention for anyone injured.

• Document the scene with photos and information.

• Call us first at Deutschmann de Koning Law for a free consultation on your rights and next steps. Our team has extensive experience handling winter-related motor vehicle collision claims across Ontario.

Stay safe on winter roads. Prepare thoroughly, drive with caution, and know that professional legal support is available should the need arise.

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.