Photo: An accident occurred on Highway 12, heading northbound to Martensville from Saskatoon on Tuesday, February 17th. Emergency crews were on the scene, and motorists were led through the area at a reduced speed. Be mindful during unsavory weather conditions and drive with caution, ensuring you slow down to 60km/hr when passing emergency vehicles. (Photo submitted)
After several weeks of mild weather, it’s been easy to feel like spring has already arrived on the Prairies. But as every Saskatchewan resident knows, this warm spell was only our annual bout of ‘fake spring’. Winter is far from finished, and colder weather is set to return—and soon.
Beginning this afternoon, heavy snowfall and strong winds are forecasted in many parts of the province, particularly the central and southern areas. White-out and blizzard-like conditions have been forecasted. These blustery conditions are anticipated to continue overnight and into Wednesday. Saskatchewan, its time to grab your mitts and toques, and refresh yourself on winter driving safety.
Saskatchewan RCMP remind drivers to:
- Scrape your windshield and brush all the snow off your vehicle before driving
- Keep your gas tank more than half full
- Tell someone where you are going, and when you are expected to arrive at your location
- Turn on your headlights and taillights, and ensure that they are cleaned off
- Travel at a speed that allows you to keep control of your vehicle, even if that’s below the speed limit
- Slow down to 60 km/hr when passing emergency vehicles, such as tow trucks, EMS, fire and police, giving them room to do their work safely
- Stay on main roads
- Have an emergency kit inside your vehicle that contains warm clothes and water in the event you become stranded during your travels
Remember, only travel when its safe. If you can’t see, you can’t safely drive. If poor road conditions exist or are forecasted, please delay travel if possible. To check road conditions, as well as which roads have been plowed, salted, and/or sanded within the last two hours, visit hotline.gov.sk.ca/map (English only).
Saskatchewan RCMP also want to remind the public that if you get stranded, always stay with your vehicle. This is your best chance for survival and helps officers locate you.
“Following a stretch of warm temperatures, it’s easy to forget how quickly weather and road conditions can change,” says Insp. Lee Knelsen, Operations Officer of Saskatchewan RCMP Traffic Services. “After taking a look at the weather forecast, it’s clear that winter isn’t finished with us yet. As this storm moves in, we’re asking everyone to take a moment to prepare and make safe choices before heading out. If visibility is poor or conditions are deteriorating, the safest decision you can make is delaying travel and staying home.”
For more winter driving safety tips, such as how to properly stock your vehicle, what to do before you hit the road, how to drive on icy and snowy conditions, and what to do if you get stranded, visit the Saskatchewan RCMP website.
