Motorists are being advised to drive to winter conditions as some highways and byways in southern Alberta are slick from an accumulation of snow and ice.

A number of vehicles ended up in the ditch on Springbank Road and Highway 1 on Wednesday and the Trans-Canada was closed between Highway 40 and Lac des Arcs for a time because of crashes in the area.

Plows were used to clear the road and the highway has since reopened.

There were also a number of crashes on the QEII Highway near Airdrie but no injuries were reported.

“Usually Albertans begin the annual transition from summer driving to winter driving conditions in October, but this snow in September has taken most drivers by surprise,” said RCMP  Cpl. Darrin Turnbull.   “This first snowfall is a reminder and an opportunity to get prepared for winter driving, which means preparing our vehicles and adjusting our driving to conditions that include snow and slush covered highways, black ice and blizzards.”

AMA Road Reports says a number of highways west of the city are snow covered and there is snow and ice on the shoulders. Visibility is also reduced in some areas and drivers are being urged to use caution.

RCMP have a few tips to tune up your winter driving skills:

  • Slow down when highway conditions are not ideal. The posted speed limit is intended for ideal road conditions. Even if the posted speed is 110 km/h, that doesn’t mean you should travel at that speed if road conditions or visibility are poor.  Motorists have a legal obligation to drive according to road conditions. You can be charged with a traffic offence if you drive too fast for the conditions.
  • Never use cruise control in winter conditions.  Avoid sudden moves by anticipating turns or lane changes. Abrupt changes in direction or slamming on the brakes could cause you to spin out of control.
  • Stay in the traveled lane and out of wet, slushy and heavy snow.  This slush can cause a vehicle to lose steering control and it will likely end up in the ditch.
  • Know your braking system and how it reacts on ice. Always be gentle with braking pressure on slick roads.  On a wet or slick surface, allow yourself at least three times the normal following distance to stop.
  • Keep your eyes focused on the road ahead of you.  If something is going to go wrong ahead of you on the road, you need more time to be able to react when road conditions are poor.
  • Unless travel is absolutely necessary, stay off the roads during major storms.  If you must travel, plan to take the safest, shortest route possible and ensure you have your winter emergency kit in the vehicle. 
  • Remember that bridge decks may be slippery even when other parts of the highway are not, since they are subject to greater temperature fluctuations.
  • Traction is of the utmost importance for winter driving and winter tires provide the best option.  If it is at all possible, make the investment in winter tires.  It is not recommended to travel in winter conditions if your vehicle is equipped with summer tires.

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