Daytime warming might remove most of the season's first dusting of snow from Lakeland roads, but police are still warning motorists to adapt to the changing conditions.
A thin blanket of snow fell across much of northeastern Alberta Saturday night, leading to a slippery start for Sunday drivers. RCMP say winter conditions mean more awareness. Detachments across the region have issued some reminders as the temperatures and snowflakes fall.
RCMP officials say motorists need to take extra precautions when travelling, or even consider avoiding travel when conditions include icy roads and blowing snow.
If motorists have to travel in unfavourable conditions, here's some TIPS from local RCMP:
- Remove all snow from your vehicle before each trip to improve visibility
- Allow yourself extra travel time in poor weather
- Ensure your headlights are working and always on
- Increase your following and breaking distance on icy roads
- Travel with a fully charged cell phone for emergency situations
- Slow down and drive to conditions. You can be charged with a traffic offence for driving too fast for the conditions.
Local motorists should also consider carrying an emergency kit in your vehicle’s trunk or cargo space including a thermal blanket, extra clothing and outerwear, candles and waterproof matches, a First aid kit, a flashlight with extra batteries, booster cables, sand, road salt or kitty litter, and a shovel.
Temperatures are expected to rebound later in the coming week, but the forecast for the Lakeland region also includes more calls for light snow or freezing rain.
