icyroads

Now that winter is here to stay it's important that you take the necessary steps to stay safe on the icy roads and highways.

Some important safety tips given by CAA Saskatchewan include:

  • Checking weather and travel conditions before heading out.
  • Putting winter tires on your vehicles.
  • Adjust your speed to weather and road conditions and always have a full tank of fuel.
  • Slow down at intersections and pay close attention in school zones.
  • leave a safe distance between vehicles, use turn signals well in advance.
  • Avoid cruise control on slippery roads.
  • Carry a fully charged phone.
  • Wear warm clothing and foot wear.

"it is a change in our driving habits, it is a change in driver behaviour as well," Said Christine Niemczyk Director of Corporate Communications and Public Relations for CAA Saskatchewan.

One major tip for any winter driver is to make sure that you always have an emergency kit in your vehicle. In the winter the kit should contain non-perishable food, water, blankets, extra clothing, a flashlight, candle lighter and/or matches, a tin can, first aid supplies, booster cables and a shovel.

If stuck or stranded other things you will need to do to stay safe and warm include staying with your vehicle, as it will make it easier for rescuers to find you and tie a brightly coloured cloth to the antennae or place in a rolled up window to signal distress. You should also run the engine only long enough to remove the chill and to prevent carbon monoxide from leaking into the vehicle be sure the exhaust pipe isn't filled with snow or ice and check the exhaust system for leaks. For fresh air, open a window slightly on the side away from the wind. Another thing you should do is breath deeply and move arms and legs to increase body circulation and never over exert yourself by trying to push a vehicle or dig it out of snow.

"Before you head out, check the weather and travel conditions. if conditions are poor perhaps you can delay travel if possible. There is a number of resources to check. Highways and Infrastructure is always a good place to check to see what the road conditions are like and Ministry of Environment or your radio station as well for daily updates on the weather." Said Neimczyk.

To learn more visit http://www.caa.ca/working-for-you/safe-driving/winter-driving and to check the highway conditions visit the government Highway Hot-line page at http://www.highways.gov.sk.ca/road-conditions and be sure to tune in daily for your weather temperatures.