The winter season won’t be leaving the community any time soon and drivers need to take extra precaution before and during each trip.
Whether it is a quick drive to the grocery store or an out-of-town trip, Transport Canada says there are a few simple steps to help keep motorists, passengers and other vehicles on the road safe.
All vehicles should be equipped with four matching winter tires, states the Winter Driving brochure released by Transport Canada, as well as an emergency kit.
“Always travel prepared,” said Creighton RCMP Cst. Josh Goodwin. “Have an extra blanket and extra clothing, snacks on board and water.”
Cst. Goodwin says more often than not, travelers do not have those necessary items.
“People don’t realize how cold it gets in their (vehicle) when it’s turned off in -40 (temperatures),” said Goodwin, himself experiencing his first winter in the area.
In Creighton alone, six single-vehicle accidents were reported in December as a result of road conditions.
“That’s a lot for the amount of people in the area,” said Cst. Goodwin.
Weather conditions vary not only by the week or day, but also by the hour.
Drivers should be prepared for a change in weather as well as a change in the road conditions.
Both Cst. Goodwin and Transport Canada suggest leaving extra travel time to accommodate for the road conditions as well as other drivers.
Drivers are encouraged to slow down and be prepared to drop sooner than in dry, springtime conditions.
“Just always be prepared,” Cst. Goodwin reiterated.
