With snow and winter slowly creeping into the region, the Grande Prairie RCMP is reminding drivers that there is no time like the present to get into that winter driving mindset.
Sergeant Shawn Graham says while the first tangible snowfall might not stick around too long this time, it’s still vital to get into good habits behind the wheel when the weather is less than ideal. He says winter tires are a must when it comes to preparing your vehicle for the winter months, but that’s just a start.
“It’s not the end all as you still have to slow down, give yourself extra time and extra room behind vehicles so that if somebody should stop, you’re going to have that time to be able to stop and prevent that collision,” he adds.
“While you’re approaching intersections, I think the first couple of times when the ice and snow hit, it kind of wakes you up, you do need to slow down, that way you aren’t going to run into any vehicles ahead of you, or proceed into the intersection after a red light, which is extremely dangerous.”
Sergeant Graham says if the weather outside is truly frightful, consider scrapping travel plans unless absolutely necessary, but suggests also getting plans in place for any scenario.
“Make sure you have a winter driving kit in your vehicle… maybe some blankets in there, food and water depending on how far you’re going, so that if something happens you’re able to sustain yourself a little bit until someone can help you,” he adds.
