The Grande Prairie RCMP is reminding drivers across the region to pack some extra patience and good driving habits over the next few days as road conditions continue to suffer after another dump of snow.
Constable Lindsay Ralph says because of the ongoing and pretty consistent snowfall and freezing temperatures, roadways in and out of Grande Prairie may be icy in patches underneath the compacted snow.
“There are those snowfall warnings in effect, so we want people to be cautious while they’re driving… we want to be able to ensure everyone is safe on the road, vehicles can stop and get safely to their destinations,” she says.
Cst. Ralph says it’s not just residents and those passing through the area the road conditions effect, and with the responsibility of safety taken up by all, it helps avoid issues for everyone, including first responders. She adds emergency kits are also something drivers should have in the car year-round, but they can be a genuine lifesaver when the temperatures start to plummet.
“IF someone does end up slipping off the road or getting into a collision, of course, first responders want to get there safely as well as quickly as they can,” she says.
“Extra blankets, have some food and water in your car, make sure your cellphone is charged up, and that way, while waiting for people to arrive, you won’t get cold,” she adds.
Environment Canada is forecasting the snow to taper off Thursday morning, before a deep freeze sets in over the region Thursday night and throughout the holidays.
