By Shaun Penner

Winter Driving

Snowy, slippery roadways has RCMP reminding motorists of safe winter driving tips

Nov 8, 2021 | 12:47 PM

With the return of snow and slippery driving conditions Monday in the Peace Region, the Grande Prairie RCMP are reminding motorists to follow safe driving practices and plan for extra time to get to their destination.

Cst. Lindsay Ralph says one of the most important things to remember is to have snow-rated tires, and to ensure have plenty of tread left on them.

“(When) you switch your tires, just make sure to take a look at them, make sure that all four of them are in good condition,” said Ralph. “Winter tires are important because they can improve traction, they can improve shorten stopping distance, things like that.”

Ralph adds another key is to know what the weather and road conditions are like prior to heading out. She says drivers should give themselves plenty of time and drive to the conditions to arrive at their destination safely.

“If it’s raining or it’s snowing, or there are icy conditions, or even if it’s dark out, we want to be as safe as possible on the roads, so we may want to reduce our speed to match the road conditions,” said Ralph. “And that just gives you more time to slow down, have more time to react to what’s going on around you on the roadway.”

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She adds it is also important to carry a safety kit for those heading out of town who may need to wait a while for help along the side of the road.

“You want to ensure that you can stay nice and warm, so you should have a blanket with you, a flashlight, food and water, booster cables, tow straps. Some people carry a shovel and some sand for traction,” said Ralph. “Especially in those cases if they do get stuck in the snow.”

One often-overlooked factor is to ensure all snow and ice has been cleared from a vehicle prior to taking it out on the road. This includes ensuring all windows have clear visibility, and that snow is fully brush off vehicles, including the roof.

Ralph adds snow piled on the roof of a vehicle can create a hazard if it slides down over the windshield while driving.

“Because there is a potential that it will fall down when we are driving, which can be hazardous for other people on the roadway.”

Ralph adds drivers who have not scraped their windows fully or haven’t brushed snow from their windshield could face a violation ticket in some circumstances.

Drivers can check up-to-date road conditions through 511 Alberta or DriveBC.