Winter started early in Saskatchewan coming 10 days before the end of October. The weather has been relentless, delivering snow, freezing rain, blowing snow which all adds up to winter driving conditions on our roads. Radios and newspapers across Saskatchewan are full of accident reports but a number of these accidents were likely preventable as they have been attributed to unsafe passing and not driving according to road conditions.
Global Saskatoon news reported Nov. 27, "There have been 146 fatalities province-wide in 2012. It's the most the RCMP has tracked in recent history. 'It's equal to some of the worst years we've ever had yet we have another month left in the calendar year,' said RCMP Sgt. Ron MacRae.
"'Drinking and driving is the main thing we need to work on, couple that with seat-belt use and intersection infractions, those are the big three, those are the areas that we need to focus,' said MacRae."
SGI, the local RCMP and Saskatchewan Ministry of Highways offer the following advice to motorists this winter when heading out onto our highways.
Cst. Christopher Neufeld from the Unity/Wilkie/Macklin RCMP detachment tells us, "Driving too fast for road conditions is definitely one of the reasons why there are so many accidents during the winter months. A lot of people forget that even if a highway is posted at 100km/hr speed limit, those speeds are posted in relation to good driving conditions. Charges can be laid against a driver if an officer feels that they are going too fast for the weather or road conditions.
"Another common issue is intersections. Slow and start times for vehicles become much more exaggerated in cold or slick conditions, and a lot of drivers become complacent, especially in towns such as Unity that have so many uncontrolled intersections. Winter tires are a good aid in preventing collisions, but driving at a reasonable speed is again essential. Also, defensive driving, especially in intersections, becomes much more important, because, even if the vehicle you are driving has traction, it doesn't mean that any vehicles approaching the intersection do as well.
"Regarding travellers who choose to travel during the 'travel not recommended' advisories, this is not a good idea for several reasons. During these periods it has been deemed that there is a heightened risk when traveling on certain roads. This can be because of icy, poor roads, or visibility issues, or other environmental factors that can increase the chance of an accident. Many drivers think that they are experienced enough to drive on these roads, or that their vehicle is much more better suited for difficult conditions, but I believe we have all seen not only semi drivers with all kinds of experience in the ditch, but also vehicles with all-wheel drive, 4X4, etc., in the ditches. This also puts at risk any tow truck drivers, family members who have to drive out and get the driver or emergency personnel who have to respond to the accident.
"I would also recommend that, for winter driving, everyone should have warm clothes on! There have been several accidents in my career where vehicle occupants have been suffering from hypothermia and/or severe frostbite because they were in a collision and were either thrown from the vehicle (seatbelts!) or trapped inside and inappropriately dressed during the winter months. There will not always be an opportunity to dress warmer after an accident; a little preparation and planning is essential for driving in the winter months."
Rebecca Schulz, manager, media relations at SGI said driving too fast for road conditions was a factor in 5.4 per cent of all collisions in 2011, or 2,390 collisions in total. Passing or improper lane usage, including passing when unsafe, contributed to 621 collisions or 1.4 per cent of 2011 collisions.
Schulz said, "The most important thing when faced with winter driving conditions, whether you have winter tires or not, is to slow down. The posted speed limits are for ideal driving conditions." She also stresses the importance of leaving more following distance between your vehicle and the one in front of you as stopping time can be reduced in winter driving conditions.
She added, "Ensuring your windows are completely defrosted and clear of ice and snow is another essential for winter driving. In addition, it is just not your vehicle's vision that's important - making sure your headlights and taillights are functioning properly is imperative so that you can be seen by other vehicles in low visibility conditions.
"If you start to skid or lose control of your vehicle, remain calm and take your foot off the accelerator. Don't lock the brakes, which can cause you to skid. Brake steadily, look where you want to go and steer in that direction. If you do have anti-lock brakes you can brake normally, but keep in mind that if you slow down and drive cautiously, you could avoid skidding altogether. Another very important habit to get into is NOT using your cruise control in slippery or snowy driving conditions because when roads are icy or wet you need complete control of your vehicle to adjust your speed if necessary. Using cruise control in these conditions can cause your vehicle to slip or slide resulting in loss of control.
"Winter tires are another thing to strongly consider. The deeper treads are ideal for clearing away snow giving the driver maximum traction and control, however, it is very important to not let this give you a false sense of security regarding a vehicle's traction and being aware of conditions on the road you travel are equally as important.
"Emergency preparedness is essential when travelling in the winter. Drivers must recognize that there is not always cell service where they are travelling. An emergency kit containing warm clothes, a shovel, blankets, matches, candle and a tin cup (to melt snow for water), energy food like granola bars, dried fruit and nuts are excellent additions. Also, always carry a snow brush, ice scraper, booster cables, flashlight and flares.
"Regardless of the season, every driver and passenger should always wear a seatbelt, avoid driver fatigue and refrain from distracted driving practices such as talking or texting on a cellphone. And of course, never drink and drive.
"In snowy conditions, it can be difficult to see oncoming vehicles. If your visibility is impaired because of snow, or blowing snow, do not try to pass. Be patient. Especially if the road surface is icy or snowy, you should make sure you have not only good visibility, but lots of distance to pass before doing so."
In essence, upon the advice of these folks and that of the Ministry of Highways and Infrastructure, it is best to exercise caution and patience when heading out onto highways this winter.
