Watch above: As the first long weekend of the season approaches, police and SGI issue warnings to motorists to drive with caution on provincial highways. Joel Senick says 22 crashes have already claimed 30 lives so far this year… officials say one is too many.
SASKATOON – Drivers in Saskatchewan are being reminded to make sure their vehicles are in working order before heading out on the road this long weekend.
“Make sure that your vehicle is in a hundred per cent working condition because we really count on them for our long road trips that we generally take during the May long weekend,“ said Christine Niemczyk, the director of corporate communications for CAA Saskatchewan.
The organization is recommending drivers do a full inspection of their vehicles, paying particular attention to their tires.
“Check for tread, check for are they properly inflated, look for any bruising, any cuts,” said Niemczyk.
An inspection may include items that aren’t as obvious. Jon Walker, a manager at Kal Tire in Saskatoon, said many motorists neglect their spare tire and may end up having to use one that is damaged itself.
“Tires that are even older than even six years old can be losing air, they can be weather cracked, some of them are tucked underneath vehicles, they’re getting mud, snow, water,” said Walker.
“If it is an old spare, you may take the thing out at two in the morning on the side of the road and not be able to even have any help at all,” he added.
READ MORE:Sask. ER nurse details gruesome consequences of impaired driving
Drivers are also encouraged to take note of the Victoria Day long weekend because it also marks the beginning of the camping season.
“Be on the lookout for campers, recreation vehicles and vehicles pulling boats and other recreation items,” said Niemczyk.
Victoria Day falls at the end of Canada Road Safety Week, a national campaign that is working towards making the country’s roads the safest in the world. An RCMP media release states authorities will be focusing on “impaired driving, seat belt use and all aspects related to aggressive and distracted driving,” during the week.
READ MORE: Seven dead in tragic weekend on Saskatchewan roads
A total of 30 people have died in 22 vehicle collisions in RCMP jurisdictions in Saskatchewan since the New Year, according to the release. From January to April of 2014, 22 people died in 20 collisions in the same jurisdictions.
Comments