With recent snowfall, Alberta RCMP are offering safe tips for winter drivers.

“Some drivers are unprepared for the annual transition from the dry pavement of summer to winter driving conditions that can include snow and slush covered highways, black ice and blizzards,” said Constable Cheri-Lee Smith, Leduc RCMP Public Information Officer. “This first snowfall is a reminder and an opportunity to get prepared for winter driving, which means preparing our vehicles and adjusting our driving.”

Whether you’re driving or just preparing for the winter season, the RCMP wants drivers to consider these road safety tips.

Tips for driving:

• Keep your headlights on all the time
• Ensure your vehicle is in a safe mechanical condition
• Never use cruise control in winter conditions
• It is not recommended to travel in winter conditions if your vehicle is equipped with summer tires
• On a wet or slick surface, allow yourself at least three times the normal following distance to stop
• Remember that bridge decks may be slippery even when other parts of the highway are not

Keep an emergency road kit in your vehicle, with the following supplies:

• blanket or sleeping bag
• extra clothing and footwear
• emergency non-perishable food
• candle in a deep tin
• waterproof matches
• first aid kit
• flashlight with extra batteries
• fire extinguisher
• booster cables
• ice scraper
• snow brush
• paper towels or rags
• road map
• compass
• sand, road salt or kitty litter
• shovel

Officers also recommend motorists have a fully charged cell phone on hand for emergencies.