(File photo/CKOM News Staff)

By Ian Gustafson

Slick Roads

Parkland Ambulance reminds public to be prepared for winter driving

Oct 24, 2020 | 9:11 AM

With the first snowfalls of the season already passed in Prince Albert, it’s no secret cooler temperatures have arrived.

With that comes unfavourable and sometimes riskier driving conditions both in the city and out on the highway.

Director of Public Affairs for Parkland Ambulance Lyle Karasiuk told paNOW that it’s the time of year where residents need to change their mindset. If it used to take five or 10 minutes to get to work, add five or 10 minutes to commutes and consider slippery conditions.

“Give yourself that little extra time right now so that you’re not in a rush,” Karasiuk said.

The second thing he said to consider is getting winter tires and is recommending doing it sooner rather than later.

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“In fact, the tire shops will tell us as soon as the temperature is consistently below 7 degrees C, it’s time to put those winter tires on,” he said.

While travelling longer distances he said to have a winter kit, extra blankets, and high-energy snacks.

Karasiuk said they get calls every winter of someone being stuck for several hours on the side of a road or highway. Sitting without cellphone service or no phone at all, the only way they were able to get help was because someone stopped to see if they were okay.

“We want to remind folks if you do experience a breakdown or you know a vehicle slides into the ditch on a small least travelled road and you think ‘well, I can walk to where I’m going’ … Please we would discourage you from doing that for several reasons,” Karasiuk said adding the distance may be further than anticipated and walking across terrain you’re not familiar with could be dangerous.

He explained it’s important to dress for the weather even for short trips because anything can happen when driving. Often, he said the public would wear a light jacket or not think about bringing along boots or ski pants because we don’t think about what could happen.

“Cars and vehicles, as much as we well maintain them, are mechanical, things can happen,” he said. “Travelling to visit family on the weekend for example, you could end up with a breakdown or something and you’re stuck.

“It can get really cold, really fast. Make sure you’re prepared to dress well, having appropriate supplies to stay warm so if you’re stranded in your vehicle, stay right where you’re at and try to signal for help,” he added.

It’s important to stay where there is shelter and he said a single candle can keep someone warm for hours.

He said they encounter incidents every year where packing extra supplies or having an emergency kit has saved someone from getting frostbite or other serious medical situations.

“We certainly share with our colleagues across the province in other paramedic services to know that’s going to be the game-changer,” he said.

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Ian.gustafson@jpbg.ca

On Twitter: @princealbertnow