Home
A A A
Winter_Safety

Winter Safety Reminders

Alberta RCMP looking to keep residents safe this winter

As winter weather settles into the region, the Alberta RCMP is reminding residents to take extra precautions when travelling on foot. Snow-covered roads, slippery walkways and reduced visibility caused by winter weather can create additional hazards for pedestrians.

Whether walking to school, work or local destinations, staying alert and making yourself visible to drivers can help reduce the risk of collisions and injuries during the winter months.

The Alberta RCMP encourages pedestrians to keep the following safety tips in mind while navigating winter conditions:

  • Wear bright or reflective clothing to increase your visibility to drivers.
  • Carry a flashlight or use your phone’s light when walking after dark.
  • Always walk facing traffic when sidewalks are not available.
  • Avoid distractions like using your phone or wearing headphones while crossing streets.
  • Make eye contact with drivers before stepping into a crosswalk to ensure they see you.
  • Use designated crosswalks and obey traffic signals, even if no vehicles appear to be around.
  • Take extra care in icy or snowy conditions, and allow more time to cross streets.
  • Wear shoes with good traction to reduce the risk of slipping.
  • Stay alert for turning vehicles, even when you have the right of way.

As winter weather returns to Alberta, drivers can expect snow-covered roads, icy surfaces and limited visibility on highways and secondary roads. These conditions increase the risk of collisions and highlight the importance of planning ahead and driving with caution.

Alberta RCMP reminds drivers to stay safe this winter by following these driving tips:

  • Ensure your car is winter-ready by installing winter tires, checking fluid levels, and replacing windshield wipers if needed.
  • Drive at a slower speed to account for reduced traction on icy or snow-covered roads.
  • Leave extra space between your vehicle and the one in front of you to allow for longer braking distances on slick roads.
  • Make sure your headlights and taillights are always on to improve visibility for yourself and others.
  • Fully clear all snow and ice from your vehicle, including windows, mirrors, and lights, before driving.
  • Equip your vehicle with a winter survival kit, including items like a blanket, flashlight, food, water, and a shovel in case you get stuck.
  • Be cautious on bridges, overpasses, and shaded areas, which tend to freeze faster and may have black ice that’s difficult to see.
  • Steer, accelerate, and brake smoothly to maintain control of your vehicle in slippery conditions.
  • Keep your full attention on the road and avoid distractions, as winter driving requires heightened awareness of your surroundings.

With the holiday season fast approaching, the Alberta RCMP is encouraging residents to stay vigilant and recognize the warning signs of fraud. Increased online shopping, parcel deliveries and seasonal fundraising campaigns create opportunities for scammers to take advantage of unsuspecting individuals.

Taking a few simple precautions and understanding how common scams operate can go a long way in protecting your money, personal information and peace of mind during the holiday season.

  • Be cautious of unfamiliar websites or social media ads offering hard-to-find or high-demand items at unusually low prices. Fraudsters often set up fake stores that collect payments without delivering products.
  • Never use gift cards to pay someone who contacts you demanding payment for goods, services, or fines. Legitimate organizations will never ask for payment this way.
  • Fraudsters may pose as charitable organizations during the giving season. Always verify charities through the Canada Revenue Agency’s registered charity list.
  • Be wary of emails or calls pretending to be from your bank, a retailer, or government agency. Do not share personal or financial details unless you have confirmed the source.
  • When buying or selling through online platforms, meet in public, well-lit areas and avoid sending money to people you haven’t met in person.
  • Don’t click on links or attachments in unsolicited messages.
  • Verify the sender by double-checking email addresses and phone numbers for subtle spelling errors or inconsistencies.
  • Shop through trusted, secure websites and use traceable payment methods only
  • Review your bank and credit card statements regularly for suspicious activity.
  • Keep your devices updated and maintain current antivirus software and system updates.

If you suspect you’ve been targeted by a scam, contact your local RCMP detachment and report it to the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre at 1-888-495-8501 or visit www.antifraudcentre-centreantifraude.ca.