Busy roads, incoming winter storm have police issuing traffic safety reminders

Many shoppers are rushing to get last-minute items ahead of the Christmas weekend and before the arrival of a big winter storm. It means there's a lot of volume on roadways, especially near shopping centres and malls. 

This has Waterloo Regional Police out with a reminder to take things slow, and don't browse for deals on your smartphone while behind the wheel. 

“While people may be hustling and bustling in the stores and malls, we ask them to slow down and to be more aware when they're driving out on the roadways,” said Staff Sgt. Scott Griffiths with the WRPS Traffic Services Unit. 

He said while there's a lot of drivers on streets and highways, the holidays also see an uptick in the number of pedestrians out running errands. 

“So we ask drivers to give space, create time and distance, and to be observant; to stay off your phone and to watch as you approach intersections, roundabouts, and other areas where pedestrians may be present.”

Griffiths said aggressive driving can also be a big concern this time of year. 

“I know it's sometimes frustrating looking for parking spaces in parking lots and things like that, but we can't take that sort of behaviour out on the roadways and drive aggressively.”

Environment Canada is warning of a significant weather system over the next few days, which is also raising concerns for police. 

“We're definitely concerned about the incoming weather system,” said Griffiths. “Especially given that there seems to be some prediction of rapidly changing conditions — like flash freezing, as well as a large accumulation of snow.”

Griffiths said those kinds of conditions tend to lead to a rise in single vehicle collisions and that some cars could get stuck or end up in the ditch. 

He noted that even if you have winter tires on, that doesn't mean your vehicle is invincible — especially if it's icy. 

“Four-wheel drive doesn't work when all four wheels are sliding,” said Griffiths. 

He encouraged motorists to be prepared and make sure their vehicles are 'road-ready' by topping up windshield washer fluid, clearing off any ice or snow before hitting the road, and putting an emergency kit in their car.

If the weather and road conditions get really rough, he also advised to assess whether or not you really need to travel this weekend; and if you do need to go out, don't put the pedal to the metal. 

Griffiths said speeding to your destination in bad weather may save you a few extra minutes of travel time, but if you get into a crash, you could end up waiting hours for help. 

“I anticipate our tow companies in this region will be very busy in the next day or so,” explained Griffiths. “You may experience waits for officers to arrive and for tow trucks to arrive. We are asking for patience and for a little bit of planning ahead.”

The holidays can also lead to an increase in the number of people indulging in alcohol or drugs and hitting the road. Griffiths said it's already been a problem this year locally. 

“We've seen a very concerning increase in the number of impaired drivers that we're arresting this year versus last. It's disappointing to see, given the messaging that is put out every year by organizations such as ourselves and MADD Canada, and other safety-oriented organizations.”

Griffiths said police want everybody to 'arrive alive' to their destination this holiday season, which means planning ahead and making sure you have a safe ride home if you're going to any celebrations.