Temperatures are expected to warm up to plus one before the end of the week presenting the possibility of ice and slush. Slippery and uneven road conditions can often lead to vehicles becoming stuck on the side of the road or in the ditch. Sergeant Warner Ignatiuk is the detachment Commander for the Weyburn, Radville, Fillmore RCMP. He says the key thing to know in these situations, is to stay with the vehicle.
“The best practice is you just stay with your vehicle. If your cell phone works, call someone who can give you a hand. But to go venturing off and trying to seek help on your own in an unfamiliar location is not a good idea.”
This especially applies in the winter when temperatures are colder, as the driver can stay warm in the shelter of the vehicle, and have the heater running.
“You shouldn't just keep it running, turn it off occasionally so that you don't have a build up of carbon monoxide. Then the second part of that is if you are in the ditch and you are periodically turning your vehicle on and off, then make sure your exhaust pipe is clear of any snow so that it doesn't cause that carbon monoxide buildup.”
That comes with its own precautions, as the exertion from shovelling increases body temperatures and can lead to removing jackets and sweaters.
“You don't want to physically exert yourself. So, take your time, make intentional decisions, and don't get yourself flustered, that's going to lead to bad decisions.”