SASKATOON – After a weekend that left law enforcement saddled with call after call about collisions on city roads, police have issued a stern warning to drivers: drive defensively.
Frigid temperatures and blowing snow transformed arterial routes throughout Saskatoon into veritable skating rinks.
City police responded to 58 collisions between 6 a.m. on Friday and 8 a.m. on Monday. Half of the crashes took place on Circle Drive.
A number of those incidents were caused by motorists driving too fast for road conditions.
“I don’t know what it is about human nature that makes people want to be first all the time,” said Saskatoon and District Safety Council media relations officer Alan Reichert.
Reichert taught defensive driving for more than 12 years.
“At least 85 per cent of all collisions are preventable, therefore they’re not accidents. They’re collisions and people just aren’t allowing enough time,” he told Global News.
Reichert typically uses the three second distance rule, but given how slick road conditions have been lately, he believes five or seven seconds may be more appropriate on Saskatoon roads.
Over the years, he has taught students from all walks of life how to navigate the often challenging wintry terrain of Saskatchewan, including managing speed and surviving a skid.
“Get your foot off the gas and don’t hit the brakes. That’s going to accelerate your skid. Steer and look where you want to go and drive in that direction.”
According to SGI, fall and winter are the most active seasons for collisions in the province.
“Obviously, the posted speed limit is for ideal conditions. It’s not for every condition. If you have ice or visibility issues and snow – you need to slow down,” said SGI spokesperson Kirsten Leatherdale.
Leatherdale suggested Saskatchewanians simply know before they go. Check the forecast, the Highway Hotline and plan routes accordingly in order to minimize risk on the roads and maximize the chances of a safe arrival home.
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