Canadians pride themselves on their ability to handle winter roads, but conditions this year have been daunting for even the most experienced drivers. Just take the two big storms we had at the end of December and beginning of January. On Christmas Day, we were hit with a lot of snow and wind, disrupting many travel plans. Then, less than two weeks later, the "weather bomb" hit.
Our police officers were on the road during both storms, and believe me – we would have stayed home if we could. That's why it was surprising to see the number of motorists who were still attempting to drive in terrible conditions and the result was a lot of motor vehicle crashes.
During the Christmas storm, the RCMP responded to approximately 70 motor vehicle collisions on the roads we police. We responded to approximately 176 collisions during the storm that started on January 4, and in the days that followed when many roads and highways remained in poor condition. Fortunately, no one was seriously injured but we all know that could have been much different. Road closures and travel advisories are not issued lightly – if it's not safe to be on the road, you shouldn't be.
One of the most important messages we want to get out to motorists this winter is that just because the speed limit reads 110 kilometres an hour, it doesn't always mean it is safe to travel at 110 kilometres an hour! Posted speed limits may be appropriate on a sunny day with bare and dry asphalt, but drivers need to use their common sense when weather and road conditions deteriorate. They also need to remember that it may take some time following a major weather event for roads to be completely cleared of snow and ice – sometimes longer than you may think.
Many of the collisions that we have responded to so far this year are due to people driving too fast for the road conditions. Please – for your safety, and the safety of others on the road – slow down. By simply reducing your speed, you significantly reduce your chances of having a crash by ensuring you have more time to react if something goes wrong. Remember, it's always better to arrive at your destination late than to never arrive at all.
We also often encounter motorists who fail to take a few moments of their time to ensure their car is completely cleared of snow and ice - I'm sure you've seen the driver who is peering through a tiny hole in the ice covering his or her windshield. Take the few extra minutes to completely scrape your windshield and windows, and don't forget to clear your headlights too.
It's also common to see vehicles with big ridges of snow on their roofs after a big storm. That snow is a driving hazard as it can slide over the windshield while driving, obscuring the view for the driver. The snow can also blow back onto other vehicles, or fall on the road where other people could drive into it. Drivers can be fined for driving a motor vehicle on a highway without reasonable consideration for any other person using the highway. It only takes a few minutes to properly clear your car to reduce the risk of driving hazards and to ensure you can see other vehicles, and that other drivers can see you too.
You should always ensure your vehicle is in good working order, and that you have appropriate tires for winter driving conditions. Drivers can be ticketed and fined for having vehicles not fit for the road, or for driving on bald tires. It's even worse if the road conditions are bad or the weather deteriorates because it increases your risk of getting into a serious accident. If you're going to drive, you should ensure you have a vehicle that will get you to your destination safely – no matter the weather.
It's good practice to have an emergency kit in your car, and to make sure someone knows where you're going when you head out on the road. Always drive to the road and weather conditions, and be considerate of other drivers on the road. And most of all, if the weather is bad and travel is not recommended, stay off the roads until it's safe to drive.
There are still several months of winter left and knowing the weather in New Brunswick, we're in for more big storms before it's all over. Let's make sure the rest of the winter passes as safely as possible.
Sgt. André Pepin
Codiac Regional RCMP