Southwest motorists are being cautioned to take necessary steps to stay safe and be prepared when heading out on the highway, not only this Christmas season but throughout the winter season.
SGI is hoping to ensure all drivers get to their destinations and are able to celebrate another holiday by giving their customers a few tips about winter travel.
Jeremy Pilon, communications consultant with SGI, noted that the two main things he tells people are to prepare themselves and prepare their vehicles.
"By preparing yourself I mean changing your mindset," he shared. "Slowing down so that you're driving for what's more appropriate out there or giving yourself more time to stop.
"Then when it comes to preparing your vehicle that's things like your winter tires, making sure your snowbrush and everything are in the car, and you want to make sure your car is well maintained."
Taking the time to do those extra things like ensuring the right fluids are being used, keeping phones charged, getting issues fixed right away, checking Saskatchewan's Highway Hotline, and checking the weather forecast can prevent break-downs.
"Everyone should have an emergency kit in their vehicle, some of your vehicles may come with things like jacks or road flares," said Pilon. "But when it comes to wintertime here in Saskatchewan we see such severe weather that you're going to want a few extra things."
An emergency kit can include booster cables, a snow shovel or traction mats, blankets, extra mittens, a tow rope or chain, non-perishable food, boots, candles, matches, and a portable charger and cord.
"If you were in a collision or if you were run off the road by the weather, other people [might] be in the same scenario and you're going to want emergency services or someone there to help you out," he explained. "You want to stay with your vehicle because you don't want to be exposed to the elements in bad weather,
"and that might just lead emergency services on a goose chase to both your vehicle and you, in a bad situation."
In an emergency situation such as getting stuck or experiencing a mechanical issue or collision, drivers should try to get off the road if possible and call for help immediatley. SGI advises to use any road flares to become more visible, conserve heat and fuel by running the vehicle intermitently, and remain with the vehicle.
"Another part of staying safe on the roads is just obeying those same rules we obey throughout the year, " Pilon added.
Call 9 - 1 - 1 in an emergency as soon as possible, for more information about safe winter driving practices visit SGI's website.