E xpress OMINECA
$1.30 Inc. GST Vol. 36 No. 43
Serving Vanderhoof ● Fort Fraser ● Fraser Lake & Area www.ominecaexpress.com
Winter havoc Cpl. Craig Douglass Prince George RCMP Every winter our community has a few heavy snowfall days… perhaps a few more than a few. Days when we look out the window in the morning and make a comment about how much snow is coming down and how long it will take to shovel or snow blow the driveway. As bad as your driveway is, there are many more streets and highways that maintenance crews are working hard to clear, often long before most of us wake up. During poor winter conditions, the Prince George RCMP and other emergency services in our community must continue to provide a high level of service to the citizens of Prince George and outlying communities, despite the snowfall. Here are some tips to help everyone get to where they’re going safely: • Don’t drive if you don’t have to. If possible, reschedule plans and run errands on another day. If you must go out, try to get everything done in one trip; • Be prepared. This means having your vehicles properly equipped long before the snow falls. Proper winter tires with adequate tread, fully functioning lights and an emergency kit are essentials; • Listen to the forecast. If snow is in Mother Nature’s plans, get up earlier in order to prepare for the commute. Properly clear off your vehicle’s windows so that you have full vision. In addition, ensure all your vehicle’s lights are clear (and being used) so that other drivers can see you; • Leave earlier. Plan to leave earlier so that you can take your time getting to your destination. Your commute will be improved and safer
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if you travel before the busy times; • Slow down. Take your time getting to your destination. Most collisions in snowy conditions could be avoided if drivers slow down and drive to the conditions. If your late, being later may save your life; • Use four wheel drive. If you have it, most people use it. It obviously allows drivers to have better mobility, but it does not allow drivers to stop quicker than any other vehicle on the road; • Use chains. If you have chains use them. Far too often we see commercial tractor trailers units attempting to travel up a hill without chains on the tires. Often this results in stuck or jackknifed trucks slowing the commute for everyone else. You’re professional drivers, the safety of everyone on the road is of greatest importance; • Being involved in a collision sucks. When it happens our focus often is on our vehicles instead of the surroundings. Please take a deep breath and ensure that if it happens to you, you don’t step out into traffic and put yourself at greater risk. Make sure approaching vehicles can see you and your vehicle; • Most collisions don’t need to be reported to the police. Collisions where no one is hurt and where the vehicles are drivable, do not need to be reported to the police. Call ICBC or your insurance provider and report your claim. Always a good idea to take a photo or two. Although snowy days are extra busy for police, we will be issuing violation tickets and towing vehicles in cases where drivers are not adhering to the rules of the road or where their vehicles are not safe to be on the road. Please, please… if you must drive in poor winter conditions, drive safely.
Wednesday, December 25, 2013
Struggle for victory
Eric Holland (left) struggles to bring down his opponent Jesse Raymond (right) during the annual Wrestling competition at NVSS. Holland took the win for Smithers after a lengthy and tiring match.