Winter safe driving tips

• Clean ice and snow off your vehicle
• Top up your washer fluid
• Be prepared with winter safety gear
• Drive to the conditions

With the first meaningful snowfall hitting the streets of Kelowna, the RCMP have a few winter driving tips to help keep people safe.

“Before anyone heads out, always make sure that your vehicle is cleaned off of all the ice and snow,” Media Relations Officer Cpl. Tammy Lobb told Kelowna10.

Removing the ice and snow not only improves visibility, but it’s also going to prevent snow and ice from potentially blowing off your vehicle and striking others, she said.

Lobb reminded drivers to top up on winter windshield washer fluid and to be prepared with winter safety gear in your car.

“That safety gear should include things like blankets, extra toques, mitts, a shovel in the event that you get stuck or go off the road, and a supply of water,” Lobb said.

The need to have warm clothing and gear in your vehicle was highlighted by the landslide situation earlier this week. While that was a freak and extreme weather event, there's little doubt some motorists were better prepared than others regarding extra clothing and gear.

Driver behavior is also a key element when the weather turns nasty.

Once you do head out on the road, make sure to adjust your speed accordingly.

“Those posted speed limit signs are for ideal driving conditions,” Lobb said.

She also reminded drivers to keep enough time and distance between the cars around you, in the event you have to stop quickly.