As the Peace Country enters the winter season, drivers are urged to take extra care when travelling, or consider avoiding the roads altogether when conditions get tough.
According to the Alberta RCMP, before hitting the highways this winter, drivers should take a few steps to ensure their safety and the safety of those around them.
To start, drivers should remove all snow from vehicles, including on the roof and trunk, to improve visibility, allow for extra time when travelling in unfavourable weather, and ensure headlights are working and remain turned on throughout your trip.
After getting on the roads, the RCMP asks drivers to increase following and breaking distance on icy roads, travel with a fully charged cell phone in case of emergency, and slow down and drive to conditions. The RCMP reminds residents they can be charged with a traffic violation for driving too fast for the conditions, despite the posted limit.
Alberta RCMP Public Information Officer Corporal Mathew Howell emphasizes the importance of winter tires as well, saying while it is not a law to use them, the benefit outweighs the cost.
“People need to understand that yes even though you don’t have to it doesn’t mean you shouldn’t, so get those on and make sure your car is running appropriately in order to be safe out there,” he says.
Residents are also asked to consider travelling with an emergency kit, equipped with items like a thermal blanket, extra clothing, waterproof matches, a first aid kit, booster cables, road salt, and a shovel to ensure they remain prepared for the worst.
The RCMP also recommends checking road reports on the Alberta 5-1-1 website before embarking during the cold season.
