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Snow over much of the province is affecting road conditions and making travel difficult in some areas, Saskatchewan RCMP said Friday.
In a news release, RCMP said officers from the Moose Jaw detachment have closed westbound lanes on the Trans-Canada Highway about 7km west of Parkbeg after slippery road conditions were affecting tractor trailer units, which are unable to climb the hill.
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Police are redirecting westbound traffic, the release said, and eastbound lanes are down to one lane. Motorists have been asked to avoid the area.
RCMP said snow was affecting many roads in the province and motorists should check weather and road conditions along the route on the Saskatchewan Highway Hotline website.
Police recommend that if poor weather or road conditions exist or are forecast, people consider delaying travel if possible. If travel is necessary, stay on roads that have recently received road maintenance. Travellers can access information on road conditions and track what roads have been plowed, salted, and/or sanded within the last two hours at hotline.gov.sk.ca/map.
RCMP said travellers who do venture out should:
• Scrape all the ice off your windows before driving — if you can’t see, you can’t drive safely.
• Remove all snow from your vehicle, including from your headlights, tail lights and roof.
• Slow down on slippery or snowy roads.
• Be gentle and smooth when you accelerate, brake or steer.
• Using cruise control on icy or snowy roads can be dangerous! If you skid, your vehicle will accelerate and rapidly spin its wheels as it tries to maintain a constant speed.
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• Be prepared for anything: consider stocking your vehicle with extra warm clothes, candles, matches, non-perishable snacks, a snow shovel, traction mats, booster cables and a tow rope or chain.
• If you become stranded on the highway, do not leave your vehicle. Turn on your vehicle periodically to warm up, but try to conserve fuel. Make sure your tailpipe remains clear of ice and snow, or carbon monoxide could potentially seep into your vehicle.
The snow and flurries should taper off by Saturday, according to Environment Canada.
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