Winter often gets all the attention for hazardous road conditions, but spring driving has safety hazards of its own.
Here are some spring driving safety tips to help reduce your risk. Some drivers see the mercury climbing above zero as a sign to let the needle on their speedometer reach new heights. Not so fast!
Good weather isn’t a green light to put the pedal to the metal. Keep your speed down as spring roads can be full of surprises. Avoid last-minute braking, focus on the road ahead of you and take things slow to avoid getting into an accident.
Keep an eye out for potholes. The roads take a beating during winter, which means potholes. Your best option is to avoid potholes when it’s safe to do so. If you must drive over one, slow down and release the brake when you pass over it to minimize impact.
Avoid puddles. Puddles can put you at risk of hydroplaning and hide hazards underneath, like potholes. Avoid them when possible. If you have to drive through one, proceed slowly and leave plenty of room between you and the vehicle in front of you.
Respect work zones. Springtime means construction crews will be out in force to fix winter wear and tear. Obey posted speed limits in work zones, pay attention to signs and flagger instructions, and take your time.
Watch for pedestrians, cyclists, and motorcycles. After the long winter, people are ready to get outside and enjoy the warm temperatures. Make sure to slow down and share the road with walkers and cyclists, and keep an eye out for motorcycles when merging, passing, turning, and approaching intersections.
INCIDENTS OF NOTE
On March 25 at 3:42 p.m., CPPS conducted a traffic stop on a vehicle to check sobriety of the driver on TWP 362 near Valley Road. The male driver was found to be impaired by methamphetamine. He was suspended from driving, and wanted out of U of S Protective Services and Esterhazy RCMP. The driver was arrested and transported to the Saskatoon RCMP detachment where he submitted to a standard field sobriety test and performing poorly. He was suspended from driving for 60 days and the vehicle was impounded for 33 days. The driver was held until sober and released for court on his outstanding warrants.
On March 25 at 1:39 p.m., CPPS received a call of a structure fire in Greenbryre Estates. CPPS attended with Saskatoon Fire to a residence that was under construction. It was determined that the cause of the fire was electrical, and the structure received minor damage.
On March 28 at 9:37 p.m., RCMP dispatched a call of a single vehicle in the ditch along Highway 16 near Langham. CPPS attended and found a truck stuck in the center median. It was learned that the driver did not have an air brake endorsement and was driving a truck equipped with air brakes. The driver was subsequently issued a ticket for failing to comply with a license endorsement. The truck was towed from the scene.
On April 6 at 9:30 a.m., CPPS attempted to stop a vehicle on TWP 382 near RR 3044 for an expired license plate. The vehicle fled and was left abandoned near the river along TWP 382. Police conducted a K9 track with one occupant located a short time later.
On April 1 at 8:15 a.m., CPPS was checking a property which has had numerous trespass complaints and located multiple people on the property. One of the males, after it was found that he had lied about his name, was found to have an outstanding warrant out of Regina Police Service. While attempting to arrest the male, a struggle ensued and he was taken into custody facing additional charges of, failing to comply with a Release Order, Fraudulent Impersonation, and Resist Arrest. The male was held in custody until sober and released with a future court date in Saskatoon Provincial Court.
On April 2 at 4:04 p.m., RCMP dispatched a call of a disturbance at the Saskatoon Animal Shelter. CPPS attended and found the subject of complaint had already left. CPPS obtained statements and video and the investigation is ongoing.
On April 2 at 10:30 p.m., RCMP dispatched a call of a missing person in the Langham area. CPPS attended with RCMP and Dalmeny Police Service and a search for the missing person was conducted. The missing person was later found and brought home.
On April 2 at 12:06 a.m., CPPS attended to stop a vehicle on Highway 12 southbound near Power Line Road. The vehicle was eventually stopped in Saskatoon by the Saskatoon Police Service, with the assistance of a spike belt. The driver and passenger were taken into custody and the driver now faces a charge of failing to stop under the Criminal Code.
On April 3 at 8:09 p.m., CPPS conducted a traffic stop on Highway 12 near TWP 384 for a vehicle equipment violation. The driver displayed signs of cannabis impairment was read the oral fluid demand resulting in a positive for THC. The driver was subsequently issued a 3-day driver’s license suspension and the driver’s vehicle was seized for 3 days. The passenger was found to be wanted by the Blaine Lake RCMP for fraud. CPPS arrested the passenger and subsequently released on an Undertaking for court in Blaine Lake.
On April 3 at 10:45 p.m., CPPS conducted a traffic stop on Beam Road near RR 3061 to check the driver’s sobriety. The driver displayed signs of cannabis impairment and admitted to recent consumption of cannabis. He provided a sample of oral fluid resulting in a positive hit for THC. The driver subsequently received a 3-day drivers license suspension and had his vehicle impounded for 3 days.
On April 3 at 11:55 p.m., CPPS conducted a traffic stop on TWP 392 near Highway 12 for a vehicle equipment infraction. It was learned the passenger had conditions not to consume alcohol and reside at an address, on a curfew, in Cranberry Portage MB. CPPS arrested the passenger for breaching his conditions and transported to Saskatoon RCMP cells. The man was released the next day with charges of breaching conditions of his undertaking x3 and resisting arrest.