Saskatchewan has recently seen the first snowfall of the season. Regina recently received about five centimetres of snow, prompting drivers to drive extra cautiously. Tyler McMurchy, Saskatchewan Government Insurance’s manager of media relations, advised CTV News viewers to “adjust for road conditions,” and “give yourself more time to react.”
McMurchy emphasized the importance of slowing down and maintaining a safe following distance, especially given that ice forming from melted snow can create a very slippery surface on the roads.
Over 200 tow trucks that are ready to be deployed to assist during accidents. As winter conditions can increase the likelihood of accidents, we can expect to see these trucks in action more often. However, tow truck drivers will have to be careful, just as everyone else must on the road. There is always a risk of accidents involving tow truck operators as vehicles fail to pay attention to their presence. This is made even more prevalent as the streets become covered in ice and snow, making it harder to react accordingly. It is important to slow down and give enough space for the workers who are on the scenes of the accidents.
“Slow down,” said CAA operator Stephan Romans for CTV News. “We all want to go home to our families each night after work.”
It is reported that, “according to the Canadian Association of Roadside Safety Professions, nearly 100 tow truck operators are killed every year in North America while on the job.”
These deaths can be prevented by safe driving practices and mindfulness when driving under these undesirable conditions. The workers do their job to assist others in dangerous and unexpected situations, so respecting their work and driving accordingly can help them tremendously. It is crucial for both drivers and tow operators to be cautious this winter. Doing so will be sure to make the streets a safer place for everyone.