Safe driving on our highways and winter roads

January to March is a busy time for travel in the territory with increased traffic on our highways and winter roads. Residents and commercial drivers are reminded to drive safe, keep a close eye on weather and highway conditions and be prepared for unexpected challenges.

This year, there will be a significant increase in large truck traffic moving fuel and cargo to the Sahtu Region, so it will be more important than ever to follow safe driving practices.

Drivers should follow posted speed limits and adjust their speed to the road and weather conditions. In poor conditions, drivers should leave at least four seconds of space between their vehicle and the vehicle ahead, always giving larger vehicles like trucks and buses more space. Only pass a vehicle when permitted, keeping a safe following distance behind the vehicle they intend to pass.

On winter and ice roads, check the weight restrictions before travelling. On the Mackenzie Valley Winter Road, it is recommended that all vehicles have a LADD 1 radio channel and call out their direction of travel on bridges and major hills.

The Department of Infrastructure is taking several precautions for the safety of NWT drivers, including widening the winter road where possible; removing trees and deadfall caused by wildfires; refreshing kilometer signage markers; increasing maintenance, patrols and emergency fuel availability; and enforcing speed limits with check stops.

There are simple steps that residents and commercial drivers should take to plan for winter driving:

Check the Highways Conditions Map before travelling.
Share your travel plans before you depart, including when you’re leaving, what route you’ll be taking and when you plan on arriving.
Prepare a winter survival kit, extra fuel and a spare tire, especially for long trips.
Make sure that every passenger in the vehicle has warm winter clothes available.
Don’t drive while using a hand-held electronic device nor while impaired by drugs and/or alcohol. These activities are not only illegal, but also incredibly dangerous.

If there is an emergency, call 9-1-1 for police or medical assistance. Please remember cellular service is limited or non-existent along some sections of NWT highways and winter roads, and that longer emergency response times can be expected.

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