SASKATCHEWAN — Winter weather made an early appearance over Thanksgiving weekend in the province. The Saskatchewan RCMP are reminding motorists to take precautions when hitting the road during winter weather.
In an Oct. media release, the Sask. RCMP said, “Living in Saskatchewan means winter driving conditions are often present for a large portion of the year – snow and ice can impact roads anytime from October through to April.”
Are you winter road ready? Saskatchewan RCMP reminds the public to take the following precautions to help keep you, your passengers and other road users safe:
- Stock your vehicle
- Saskatchewan RCMP recommends all winter travellers pack an emergency car kit to be prepared for serious weather conditions or a roadside emergency. Consider stocking it with:
- Additional warm clothing (including footwear, mittens, and toques)
- Candles and matches
- A tow chain or rope
- Nourishing, non-perishable food items (nuts, dried fruit, energy bars)
- Drinking water
- A blanket or sleeping bag
- A cellphone and charger
- A first aid kit with seatbelt cutter
- A flashlight
- A snow brush and shovel
- Traction mats, a bag of sand, or non-clumping cat litter for traction
- Booster cables
- Hand warmers
- A whistle
Before you drive
Before hitting the roads, ensure you have prepared your vehicle appropriately for weather conditions. Consider:
- Adding antifreeze to your radiator and gas line
- Putting winter tires on your vehicle
- Topping up windshield wiper fluid and ensuring windshield wipers are working
- Scraping your windshield, rear and side windows, and brushing all snow off vehicle
- Cleaning off headlights, tail lights, and signal lights
- Clearing your heater air intake
- Moving items away from defroster outlets inside vehicle
- Keeping your gas tank more than half full
- Telling a family member or friend where you’re headed and when you expect to arrive at your location
- Familiarizing yourself with your route – don’t rely on GPS
Also – make sure you check the weather and road conditions along your route before departure. Information on road conditions can be found at hotline.gov.sk.ca/map. If poor weather or road conditions exist or are forecasted, consider delaying travel if possible.
Driving on winter roads
Travelling safely during winter driving conditions requires additional attention and skill. When driving on slippery/snow-covered surfaces or with reduced visibility, take the following precautions:
- Slow down: travel at a speed that allows you to keep control of your vehicle, even if this is slower than the speed limit.
- Make soft, fluid movements when steering, accelerating, and braking.
- Refrain from using cruise control. If you go into a skid while using cruise control, your vehicle will continue to accelerate and the tires will spin, preventing you from stopping your vehicle.
- Maintain a safe following distance. Leave additional space between your vehicle and the vehicle in front of you, allowing for sudden stops.
- Stay on main roads. Main highways are first to be cleared and travelling on them increases your visibility if you get stranded.
- Use your headlights. If it is snowing or raining, drive with your headlights on at all times.
If you are stranded
If you find yourself in an emergency situation where you are stranded roadside, Saskatchewan RCMP urge that you do the following to ensure your safety:
Always stay with your vehicle: this is your best chance for survival and helps officers locate you.
Stay warm. Periodically turn your vehicle on, but be mindful to conserve your fuel and battery. Put on your emergency winter clothing before you get cold, and use candles to keep warm if necessary.
Make sure your tailpipe remains clear of ice and snow, or carbon monoxide could potentially seep into your vehicle.
Periodically lower your window slightly on the side of your vehicle that is downwind, allowing for fresh air to enter the vehicle.
When shovelling or trying to push your vehicle, do not overexert yourself.
