The season’s first snowfall graced us on Monday, prompting the RCMP to urge drivers to exercise caution and adapt to the prevailing road conditions.
While the Lakeland area only got a light dusting of snow, Environment Canada issued snowfall warnings for several other regions in Alberta.
In Leduc, the police have flagged winter driving hazards, particularly on the QEII Highway.
“Some drivers are unprepared for the annual transitions from the dry pavement of summer to winter driving conditions,” said Constable Cheri-Lee Smith, Leduc RCMP Public Information Officer in a news release.
The RCMP is advising drivers to make the switch to winter readiness.
They are suggesting the following:
- Keep your headlights on all the time
- Ensure your vehicle is in a safe mechanical condition
- Never use cruise control in winter conditions
- It is not recommended to travel in winter conditions if your vehicle is equipped with summer tires
- On a wet or slick surface, allow yourself at least three times the normal following distance to stop
- Remember that bridge decks may be slippery even when other parts of the highway are not
They also recommend keeping an emergency road kit in your vehicle, with the following supplies:
- blanket or sleeping bag
- extra clothing and footwear
- emergency non-perishable food
- candle in a deep tin
- waterproof matches
- first aid kit
- flashlight with extra batteries
- fire extinguisher
- booster cables
- ice scraper
- snow brush
- paper towels or rags
- road map
- compass
- sand, road salt, or kitty litter
- shovel
RCMP adds to make sure your cell phone is fully charged, especially in case of an emergency.