With the holiday celebrations nearing, many families will be taking provincial roads and highways to visit their loved ones. With that in mind, the Alberta RCMP is giving tips on staying safe on the roads.
“There are simple practices drivers can do to help keep the roads safe for everyone this December,” said Sgt. Darrin Turnbull, Alberta RCMP Traffic in a release. “We all have a responsibility when it comes to road safety. Do your part to ensure you, and those you are sharing the road with, make it home this holiday season.”
As always, the RCMP wants to remind drivers to never be on the road while impaired, which includes both drugs and alcohol. If you are under the influence, make sure to have a designated driver to get you and your loved ones home safely.
With the cold weather, preparing an emergency kit could save your life in case you get stuck/ The kit should include blankets, extra clothing, non-perishable food and water, first aid supplies, booster cables, and a flashlight with extra batteries.
Another thing to note is to make a plan and share it with someone. That entails planning your route accordingly and making sure that family as well as friends know what route you are taking in case you get stuck and know when your planned arrival may be.
Remove any distractions that you may have or could happen before you hit the road. That means, having your route already in your GPS before leaving for your destination, ensuring the kids are all buckled up, and setting up any electronics in your car before you get going.
Remember to drive to the conditions, meaning if the roads are snowy and icy, make sure you are leaving a safe distance between yourself and other cars. On top of that, if it's snowing make sure that you have your headlights on, especially if it's dark outside.
Lastly, ensure that your vehicle is winter-ready, that means having it fueled up, and winter tires on, making sure your lights are functioning, and clearing the snow off your vehicle before taking it on the road.
Alberta RCMP will be running check stops all month long to help get impaired drivers off the road.