Saskatchewan RCMP received 57 weather-related calls for service between 9 a.m. on Monday and 9 a.m. today. That was just at the Operational Communication Centre, and doesn’t include the calls for service made directly to detachments. The weather continued to wreak havoc on Saskatchewan roads on Tuesday all through the day, with a multi-vehicle collision on Highway 16 just west of Colonsay, and many roads where the Highway Hotline wasn’t recommending travel, or the roads were closed, in particular in the southeast part of the province.

Here are some winter driving tips from the RCMP:

• 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, taillights 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.
• Before traveling, check the weather forecast for both your current location and destination. If travel can be delayed during storm warnings, do so.
• For information on highway conditions/closures in your area, please consult the Highway Hotline at https://hotline.gov.sk.ca/mobile.
• 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.