Winter tires prevent serious collisions

Government and police are reminding Islanders of the safety benefits of installing four matching winter tires as they provide almost twice the traction of all-season tires on snow or ice.

“We all have a role to play in keeping Island roads safe and one easy step to protect you and your family on the road is to install winter tires in November and keep them on until April,” said RCMP S/Sgt. Kevin Baillie.

“Highway Safety, RCMP and other police agencies will be out on Island roads this week at road checks to remind Islanders of this life-saving message.”

At the check-stops, drivers will be provided with air pressure gauges and winter tire

brochures. Islanders can also expect to see officers checking for valid vehicle registrations, driver licenses and motor vehicle inspections stickers.

Vehicle owners are reminded to have their tires checked for adequate tread depth to ensure they are ready for P.E.I.’s winter driving conditions. Highway Safety recommends vehicles are equipped with four matching winter tires bearing the mountain/snowflake symbol.

In other road safety initiatives, government introduced two amendments to the Highway Traffic Act. The first builds on previous impaired driving amendments earlier this year and will bring P.E.I. in line with federal Criminal Code changes.

The second will designate tow trucks and recovery vehicles as emergency vehicles so they fall under existing provincial “slow down, move over” rules.

If Islanders see any emergency vehicles parked at the side of the road with their lights flashing, they must move over a lane if safe to do and slow down to half the speed limit. The fine for not slowing down for parked emergency vehicles is $200 to $1,000, plus $75 for victims of crime surcharge and three demerit points.