Winter driving conditions take extra attention, SGI warns

Now that Saskatchewan has seen its first dump of snow this fall, residents can put together for winter — outside rinks, snow angels and, after all, winter driving circumstances.

Though it’s one thing that the province offers with yearly, some easy measures could be taken whereas out on the street to keep away from a collision or harm.

“Ensuring that you simply’re giving your self loads of time to get the place you’re going,” SGI communication director Tyler McMurchy stated. “So, it’d imply leaving early as a result of you’ll have to alter your pace for these driving circumstances. The posted pace limits are usually not essentially the pace you need to be driving at while you’re coping with lowered traction and visibility on the roads.

“So, cut back your pace accordingly, improve your following distance behind the car in entrance of you. It’s actually vital to extend your following distance to 5 or 6 seconds from the three you’d usually have in best driving circumstances.”

Nonetheless, the preparations for driving in winter circumstances don’t simply occur whereas behind the wheel. In line with McMurchy, they start earlier than you step foot within your car.

“Secure winter driving begins earlier than you even hit the street,” he defined. “You need to begin by totally cleansing off your car, eradicating the snow and frost and the ice out of your windshield, your back and front windshields, in addition to your facet home windows, your mirrors, totally cleansing off your headlights and taillights as properly.”

SGI recommends that each one autos comprise a winter security equipment, particularly these which can be regularly travelling on the freeway.

“That may embody issues like booster cables, a small snow shovel, traction mats, further clothes or blankets to maintain heat within the occasion that you simply do get stranded for any time frame, some non-perishable meals, a candle to soften snow for water,” he stated. “We’re not coping with blizzard circumstances at this level, however it bears in thoughts, having that emergency equipment can actually make a state of affairs like that one thing you’ll be able to take care of extra simply.”

Different precautions that may be taken come within the type of tires, which may make the entire distinction when the snow and ice stop the rubber from assembly the street.

“We extremely suggest drivers spend money on a set of winter tires,” McMurchy stated. “When the circumstances are icy, and even simply chilly; the particular tread sample and the rubber compound that the rubber tires are product of can actually enhance your traction and the management of your car and forestall your probabilities of being in a collision.”

However, even those that are taking all of those cautionary measures, collisions are certain to happen and at a fair increased fee following a recent snowfall, particularly early within the yr.

“(SGI) sees a spike in claims sometimes that first day or two of a heavy snowfall,” McMurchy defined. “It will probably fluctuate relying on the severity of the climate and likewise how widespread that system is. Our claims employees is completely happy to assist drivers who discover themselves in a collision, however the best state of affairs is to drive safely and never get your self concerned in a collision.”