Now that the snow is here to stay, the GNWT has shared a number of winter driving tips to help keep motorists safe throughout the season.
There is much more that drivers can do to keep themselves safe on the road than simply putting on their winter tires. It is also recommended to double check the vehicle’s battery, brakes, and anti-freeze levels. For anyone who may be planning on driving outside of communities for long periods, a winter survival kit is recommended. These kits should contain items such as blankets, flashlights, medical equipment, snacks, a shovel, and a tow strap.
Keep an eye on weather and road conditions to see which roads are open, and which roads advise caution when travelling. Drive at a manageable speed when travelling on slippery conditions, and make sure windows and windshields allow for clear visibility.
In the event of an emergency, drivers are advised to stay inside their vehicles to stay warm, and to make it easier for rescuers to locate. Run the engine sparingly and keep the exhaust pipe clear of snow to help avoid carbon monoxide poisoning.
When dealing with seasonal winter and ice roads, allow commercial vehicles to pass through narrow sections first. Conditions on these roads can change with little warning, so expect delays, and never drive on a closed seasonal road.
Finally, make sure to tell others of any travel plans. This includes planned routes and expected arrival times. This can help others know when to expect travellers, and so that authorities can know where to search in the event of a missing person.
Road conditions can be found on DriveNWT.ca.
