Winter Driving Saskatchewan Flashcards

What is the most dangerous time of year for ice on Saskatchewan roads?

Answer: Late fall and early spring when temperatures fluctuate around freezing

Freeze-thaw cycles during late fall and early spring create the most dangerous ice conditions, as melting water refreezes, often creating unexpected patches of black ice.

When parking your vehicle overnight in extreme Saskatchewan cold, what precaution should you take?

Answer: Use a block heater, park in a garage if possible, and ensure you have emergency supplies in case the vehicle does not start

Block heaters keep the engine warm enough to start, and a garage provides shelter from extreme cold. Always have emergency supplies in case the vehicle still does not start in extreme temperatures.

Why are intersections especially slippery in winter in Saskatchewan?

Answer: Vehicle exhaust, braking, and acceleration polish the snow and ice into a slick surface at stopping points

Vehicles repeatedly stopping and starting at intersections polish the snow and ice into a very slick, hard surface. Vehicle exhaust also contributes to localized melting and refreezing.

What should you do if your vehicle becomes stranded in a Saskatchewan blizzard and you cannot see any buildings or help?

Answer: Stay with the vehicle, it provides shelter and is easier for rescuers to find

Your vehicle is your shelter and is much easier for search and rescue to locate than a person on foot. Walking in a blizzard can lead to disorientation, exhaustion, and death from exposure.

How does cold weather affect your vehicle's battery in Saskatchewan?

Answer: Cold reduces battery capacity significantly; a battery at -30 C has only about 50% of its warm-weather capacity

Cold temperatures dramatically reduce battery output. At -30 degrees Celsius, a battery may have only about half its rated capacity, while the engine simultaneously requires more power to start.

What is the correct way to handle a vehicle that has been sitting outside in extreme Saskatchewan cold and will not start?

Answer: Try starting for no more than 10-15 seconds at a time with 30-second breaks to avoid draining the battery and damaging the starter

Extended cranking overheats the starter motor and drains the battery further. Short cranking attempts with rest periods give the battery time to recover and prevent starter damage.