Interlakes Volunteer Fire Department

Road Safety

DRIVE FOR THE CONDITIONS

🚗 Remember your cell phone

🚗 If the road is icy or snowy, drive the speed that is safe. The speed limit of the road isn’t necessarily the speed you should go.

🚗 If the road is wet, snowy or icy DO NOT use cruise control

🚗 When the roads are wet, icy or snowy, increase the distance between you and the vehicle in front of you. Your vehicle can move in unexpected ways in these conditions.

🚗 Slow down by taking your foot off the accelerator or going into a lower gear, instead of applying your breaks in slippery conditions.

🚗 Snow, rain and fog reduce visibility. Turn your headlights on in these conditions.

🚗 Keep a snowbrush and scraper in your vehicle and clear it of snow and ice before driving

🚗 Ensure your windshield washer fluid is full and it is de-icing fluid in winter.

🚗 More info on driving for the conditions

ACCIDENT INVOLVING A POWER POLE OR POWER LINES

⚡ STAY IN YOUR CAR at all times unless it is on fire and dial 911.

⚡ If you can safely drive away, drive at least 10 meters from the power pole or lines and dial 911.

⚡ If you must get out of the vehicle (example: because it is on fire) you must not touch the vehicle and the ground at the same time with any part of your body or clothing. Follow these steps:

  • Remove any loose fitting clothing like jackets or scarves
  • Use the handle to open the door of your vehicle
  • Stand at the opening of your door with your elbows tucked into your stomach and your hands close to your chest
  • Jump out and away from the vehicle. As you exit DO NOT touch the door and the ground at the same time. Land with your feet together. Do not stumble.
  • Calmly shuffle your feet together. Keep your feet touching each other as your shuffle. The heel of one foot should still be touching the toe of the other. Never lift either foot off the ground
  • Keep shuffling until you are at least 10 metres away from the vehicle
  • Call 911
  • Watch this video to see how it is done

EMERGENCY ITEMS FOR YOUR VEHICLE

Be prepared for unexpected time on the road. We live in a remote area where cell service can be spotty. You should be prepared, even if you are going a short distance. Have these items in your vehicle:

  • Cell phone
  • Good winter boots, toque, mitts, parka, scarf, blanket
  • A flashlight (a wind-up flashlight)
  • A candle in a deep can and matches
  • First aid kit
  • Food that won’t spoil such as energy bars
  • Water in plastic bottles that won’t break if the water freezes