Freezing rain and snow have made life more challenging in the northeast recently. (Cam Lee/northeastNOW)

By Cam Lee

Watch road conditions

Motorists reminded to drive with road conditions in mind

Feb 8, 2024 | 10:45 AM

Road conditions have been tricky across the northeast over the last few days.

Rain, freezing rain, and snow have combined to make some highways a little slick.

Melfort RCMP Detachment Commander Ryan Case told northeastNOW that it’s important to remember that speed limits are posted for ideal driving conditions.

“As soon as there is a deterioration (of) any type of what we would call ideal conditions – which right now we’re experiencing exactly that with some wetness and then the snow on top of it – we obviously then have to adjust,” Case said.

Drivers need to be cognizant of their speed according to Case, who added slippery conditions don’t allow motorists to have the same reaction or stop times on icy highways.

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Another factor in drivability in less-than-ideal conditions is the type of tire on your vehicle. Case said not everyone can put on winter tires, but he recommends doing so if at all possible, as it does make a major difference.

“It’s not going to be the end-all and be-all for being able to drive in all winter conditions, but it certainly helps, that’s for sure.”

Case said the Melfort detachment area has been relatively lucky as the road conditions haven’t caused the RCMP a lot of work going to vehicle collisions.

“Typically when weather conditions go down we can expect to get a little overly busy with things, just being out on the roads because of the road conditions,” explained Case.

That doesn’t mean things have been perfect. Case himself had his windshield ice over as he was driving back to Melfort while on duty. He said the slick conditions are even more apparent at night and in the early morning.

Case also reminded drivers to fully scrape their windshield of ice before driving, and take some time to clear the vehicle of snow as well so as not to cause visibility issues for themselves and other motorists.

If conditions are especially poor, it may be best to just forego the trip altogether if possible.

“Everybody that’s driving or (has) to make a trip has to make those decisions as to whether or not it’s really, truly worthwhile heading out on the road.”

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cam.lee@pattisonmedia.com

On X: @northeastNOW_SK