SASKATCHEWAN – Saskatchewan RCMP are reporting they responded to 82 reports of collisions and 25 other weather-related reports between 4 p.m. on Dec. 17 to 7 a.m. on Dec. 18 related to the winter storm that impacted the province.
The RCMP gave a briefing to media in a press conference on Dec. 18.
A Saskatchewan RCMP spokesperson said one of these collisions in the Broadview area that occurred mid-afternoon on Dec. 17 involved a fatality.
According to the RCMP report, the collision involved two semis.
"That collision occurred at the intersection of Highway 1 and Highway 201," the spokesperson said. "The driver of one of those semis was pronounced deceased at the scene."
The spokesperson said Saskatchewan RCMP officers continue to respond to calls for service related to the severe weather, from Dec. 17 into Dec. 18.
"Though the weather system has largely passed through the province, road conditions may still be poor," she said. "Just because the sun's out doesn't mean that you can abandon those safety tips that we were promoting here yesterday [Dec. 17]."
The RCMP are reminding drivers to be prepared for winter weather.
The spokesperson advised people to always check the Highway Hotline and the weather forecast before leaving.
People are reminded to make sure they have a full tank of gas, and their car is properly equipped with safety equipment, including food, water and warm clothes. They should travel with a cellphone and make sure it's charged. They should also bring a cellphone charger.
"Drive for a speed that's appropriate for the conditions," the spokesperson said. "The posted speed limit is for ideal conditions. Drive at the pace that you feel is safe and will help you get to your destination."
Dan Palmer, with the Saskatchewan Ministry of Highways, said some of the challenges the snowplows and cleanup crews are facing along the highway network in the central region and around the Saskatoon area are winds compounded with snowfall.
"Clearly that reduces visibility on the highway," he said. "It is also a challenge for the operators when they're clearing snow. They are clearing snow; the wind is blowing; they go back and there's snow there again."
For southern Saskatchewan, people are seeing a fluctuation of weather.
"[There's] everything from snow to rain and back again," Palmer said. "These are extremely challenging conditions for our crews to treat ice and clear snow as everything is changing rapidly and so often."
He encourages people to check the Highway Hotline right before they head out to make sure they are prepared for the conditions.
"The weather has changed rapidly and throughout the last 24 hours, and it may very well change in the next 24 hours ahead," Palmer said.
