Ready, set, snow: Your Saskatchewan winter driving guide
If you’ve driven through a Saskatchewan winter, you know how quickly the weather can change. Blowing snow, icy roads and bitter cold can make even a familiar drive more challenging. Whether you’re heading across town or out on the highway, these tips can help you along the way.
What should you check before heading out?
- Have winter tires installed and ask your mechanic to check your vehicle for wear and tear.
- When the temperature drops to -15°C or colder, plug in your vehicle’s block heater. Check the cord first to make sure it isn’t frayed.
- Take a look at the forecast and the Highway Hotline before you leave. You’ll find road conditions, visibility reports, closures and travel advisories. Not sure what a road report means? Read up on winter road terminology so you know what to expect.
- If the road conditions are poor, plan to go on a different day, if possible. If you need to travel, give yourself extra time and slow down for the driving conditions.
How should you adjust your driving for winter roads?
- Before you leave, take the time to clear snow and ice from every window so you can see clearly.
- Give other drivers plenty of notice by signalling early before you turn or change lanes. Leave enough room between vehicles, too.
- Make sure others can see you. Turn on your headlights and taillights before dawn, at dusk and when fog or snow makes it hard to see. Don’t rely on daytime running lights to turn on your rear lights.
- Give the road your full attention. Put your phone away and set up your music and navigation before you leave. Keep conversations from taking your attention away from driving.
- Give yourself extra room to stop at crosswalks and give people walking more time to cross when it’s slippery.
What should you watch for when driving near roadside crews in the winter?
- Snow and poor visibility can make roadside workers and equipment harder to spot. Keep an eye out and be ready for traffic ahead to slow down or change lanes. When you approach a tow truck, emergency vehicle or snowplow stopped with its lights flashing, slow to 60 km/h and move over when it’s safe. Give crews the room they need to work. Learn more about Slow Down Move Over.
What if your vehicle breaks down in the winter?
- A breakdown is never welcome, especially in bitter cold or blowing snow. If it happens, pull as far away from traffic as you safely can and turn on your hazard lights.
- Pack a roadside safety kit or make your own. Include water, non-perishable snacks, blankets, warm clothes and boots, a first-aid kit, a snow brush and ice scraper, candles and matches, a flashlight and batteries, a shovel, and a fully charged power bank and cord to charge your phone.
- Stay in your vehicle. You can reach CAA Roadside Assistance any time, 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. Request help through the CAA Mobile app or website or call 1-800-222-4357.
- Getting stuck in the snow can put a winter trip on hold. If it happens to you, stay in your vehicle for shelter while you wait for help, as long as it’s safe to do so. Before you head out again, check for damage and make sure your vehicle is safe to drive. For more tips, read 6 Things to Do When Your Car is Stuck in the Snow.
Looking for more winter driving tips?
Visit the CAA Saskatchewan Blog.
Looking for more winter driving tips?
Visit the CAA Saskatchewan Blog.