The first significant snowfall of the winter season causes numerous accidents on the Abitibi-Témiscamingue roads.

At the end of the day on Monday, the Sûreté du Québec reiterated the importance of adapting driving behavior to weather conditions and planning trips accordingly.

Weather and road conditions have deteriorated in the last few hours. We have had road trips reported to us primarily in the Rouyn-Noranda sector, but at the time of writing, midway through Monday evening, the SQ reported no major accidents or serious injuries in the area.

The Sûreté du Québec would like to remind drivers to exercise great caution when traveling on the roads. On the eve of an expected change in temperature, people are urged to plan their journeys to ensure their safety and that of other road users. The public can continue to consult the website www.quebec511.info (New window) to check the condition of the road he wants to drive on.

In addition, the SQ points out that the main causes of collisions in precarious weather conditions are drivers not adapting their driving behavior to road conditions. Therefore, drivers are advised to reduce their speed and keep their distance from the vehicle in front.

How important it is to clear your car of snow

Road users are also urged to clear snow from their vehicles and ensure that the windshield, windows, headlights, indicators and license plate are free of ice and snow. Failure to comply with these safety regulations increases the risk of collision, poses a danger to the driver but also to all other road users and could result in fines, reports the Sûreté du Québec.

According to Article 330 of the Highway Code, the driver of a road vehicle must reduce the speed of his vehicle when visibility is insufficient due to darkness, fog, rain or heavy rain, other precipitation, or when the road surface is slippery or not completely clear.

(In collaboration with Lise Millette)