Extra caution on the roads

Shannon LeClair
Times Reporter

 

With the unusually warm March weather drivers are being asked to take extra caution on the roads. Some people have brought their motorcycles out, excited for the warm weather, and not factoring in the gravel still on the streets or other conditions that make it dangerous to ride at this time of year.
Besides watching out for motorcyclists, there are also more kids out also taking advantage of the opportunity to be outside.
“Everybody has to be aware, especially people driving cars, have to be aware there’s a lot more factors out on the road now with kids crossing the road more often and kids playing in playground areas, kids playing in their front yard, kids riding their bikes, they’re playing sports, they’re chasing after basketballs,” said Strathmore RCMP Staff Sgt. Kevin Reilly.
“Motorcycles (are) more difficult to see, they’re in your blind spots. There’s a number of different things that way just in general that drivers have to be more aware of.
“Not that you shouldn’t be paying attention before but there’s a number of different things that are now more prevalent on our roads for the next six months. Be aware and slow down.”
Another issue Reilly has seen in the mornings is people driving with their windows covered in frost.
“That’s an offense, you can’t have frost on your windows, and I’m not talking a little bit here or there where your scraper didn’t cover it, I’m talking they didn’t put a scraper to it,” said Reilly.
If your windows are dirty and then you can’t see because of the sun shining on them, that’s also a ticketable offense.
Reilly said there are certain things police have to focus on and at this time of year that is one of those things
“You have to make sure your car is safe and you have everything working,” said Reilly.
With the nice weather it’s a great time to get out and check to make sure everything on your vehicle is working, including your lights, and your fluids are topped up.