As winter weather rolls through Moose Jaw and Southern Saskatchewan driving gets a little more challenging.

SGI has a few tips to share before hitting the roads this winter to make sure you make it to your destination safely.

  • Slow Down
  • Allowing yourself time to adapt to winter roads
  • Do not use cruise control
  • Ensuring your vehicle is entirely cleared of snow and ice
  • Do not accelerate when passing other carsGentle acceleration and breaking
  • Smooth steering motions
  • Allow yourself extra stopping distance

Tyler McMurchy, manager of media relations with SGI, said that with the winter months, a significant shift in driving styles must occur to stay safe.  He said that at this time of the year, other drivers become even more of an obstacle to keep in mind.

"Chances are a lot of people don't have their winter tires on yet, so people are going to be dealing with less traction and less control out there."

The leading cause in winter crashes is failing to adjust to seasonal driving. Getting back into the positive winter driving habits can help make the transition period smoother. One way of accomplishing this is training and re-training yourself for winter driving by starting out slow during the first snowfalls of the season.

"Whether it's in a parking lot or on the actual road itself, start out really slow," McMurchy said. "Get a feel for the road, how your car, truck, or minivan is performing on that, and just reacquaint yourself with winter driving."

If the winter driving tips fail you, being prepared for a crash should be a priority for southwest Saskatchewan drivers.

Having a winter driving kit can save your life if first responders can't get to you immediately. A winter driving kit should consist of

  • Freezable food
  • Sleeping bags
  • Warm clothes
  • A tow chain
  • Candles and matches
  • A snow shovel
  • Gas line antifreeze
  • A set of traction mats
  • Booster cables

In the event of a crash, staying near your vehicle, immediately putting on your warm clothes, quickly opening and closing windows to get fresh air, and periodically running your engine are all ways to stay safe.

Checking the Highway Hotline should be a part of all winter trip planning to avoid being stranded during harsh conditions.

Loose and swirling snow is currently observed on many roads around southwest Saskatchewan.

Click here for more winter driving tips.