The Coronation RCMP reminds everyone that road safety is a shared responsibility.
Before you head off to your next destination, it helps to check traffic, road and weather conditions. Motorists should also dress for the weather and have contingency plans in the event they run into car troubles.
This time of year, the roads can be dangerous to travel on due to ice and other weather conditions. Taking extra precautions is important for ensuring your safety, the safety of other motorists and pedestrians. Motorists should pay particular attention to their speed in relation to the road and weather conditions.
Slowing down one’s vehicle before reaching an intersection is important to allow the vehicle to gain enough traction to stop when necessary. Having winter tires is also recommended to ensure one’s vehicle has optimal traction when travelling on roads that may be covered in ice or snow.
The Coronation RCMP also remind the public to be aware of any signs of fatigue before getting behind the wheel. Driver fatigue may be due to a lack of adequate sleep, extended work hours, strenuous work, or a combination of other factors. Driver fatigue is an impairment that puts everyone on the road at risk.
In Alberta, if police determine a motorist is too fatigued to drive, they can disqualify an individual’s driver’s licence for a period of 24-hours and tow the motor vehicle to ensure compliance. All fees incurred in relation to the tow will be the responsibility of the registered owner of the motor vehicle.
With that information in mind, here are some safety tips to help motorists address driver fatigue:
- Get adequate sleep before getting behind the wheel.
- Skipping meals or eating at irregular times may lead to fatigue.
- Avoid medications that do or may cause drowsiness.
- Recognize your bodies signals of drowsiness; frequent yawning, heavy eyelids and blurred vision.
- Do not rely on “alertness tricks” like drinking coffee or energy drinks, smoking, opening the window or turning the radio up louder which all provide a false sense of security.
The Coronation RCMP thanks the public for their cooperation with regard to safe winter driving and being responsible with signs of driver fatigue