Albertans, it’s that time of year again: the season of cheer, togetherness, and dangerous driving conditions. With snow, slush, and ice accumulating on our roads, take every precaution to make it through the season safely. Accidents don’t take days off, and winter is one of the riskiest times to be on the road. One of the best ways to protect yourself is by using winter tires – but there’s more you can do to stay safe this season.
All-Season Tires aren’t all you need.
Sure, they’re called all-season, but a tire designed to take on the variety of Alberta’s weather is a jack-of-all-trades, master of none. All-season tires have inferior tread and poor winter handling, which can put you at a disadvantage. Winter tires, on the other hand, stay flexible at low temperatures, giving you better traction and control. They can even shorten stopping distances by 30-40% in snow, ice, and slush – a difference that could keep you out of an accident.
Winter driving precautions to reduce your risk:
- Get Winter Tires. Most “all-season” tires aren’t rated below -7C, and as Albertans, we call that a warm winter’s day. Yes they can be pricey, and it’s a minor pain to switch tires on your car or truck twice a year, but if they help keep you and your family safe, aren’t they worth it?
- Keep Your Distance. On slippery roads traction decreases and braking distance increases, even with winter tires. You’re paying attention, but what about the person in front of you? If a sudden stop is required, you’re going to need some room. It’s also a good idea to maintain a larger following distance when at a stop – if the person behind you can’t stop, you can avoid being pushed into the car in front of you, and you may even have an escape route.
- Look for the Snow. At intersections, even with sanding, the areas where cars stop tend to become icy. If you need to stop and the road is slippery, look for snow because snow = traction. Move out of the icy ruts onto the fresh snow to give your tires something to grip and give yourself a chance to stop.
- Clear Your Windows and Vehicle of Snow. You might be in a hurry, but that snow on your car or truck is reducing your visibility and that of others when it blows off. Take the time to scrape and brush.
- Slow Down. This one seems obvious, but it’s important to remember that speed limits are set with normal conditions in mind. When roads are bad, take your foot off the gas.
- Pull Off of the Road. If you get caught in a blizzard or white-out, look for a place to pull completely off of the road, such as a gas station or a Tim’s. Take a break, have a coffee, and let it blow over. If you’re on the highway, consider grabbing a hotel room for the night. It’s not a good idea to pull over to the shoulder, as other drivers might not see you there and could run into your vehicle.
- Stay Home. We all have busy lives, full schedules, and places to go, but staying at home due to bad weather is a minor inconvenience compared to the upheaval that a serious car or truck accident could cause in your life.
Vehicle preparation tips
- Check that your air conditioning, heater, and defroster are working to prevent fogging and improve visibility.
- Test your battery, as cold weather can reduce performance.
- Replace your wiper blades with heavier winter-specific ones.
- Top up your windshield washer fluid with a de-icing formula and keep a spare bottle in your trunk.
- Ensure brake pads and fluid are in good shape.
- Always keep a Winter Driving Emergency Kit in your vehicle.
We’re here for you.
Injuries can happen even when you’re prepared. If you or someone you love is injured this winter, it’s important to understand your options. The personal injury lawyers at Litco Law are here any time of day. With nearly 40 years of experience handling car and truck accident cases in Calgary, Edmonton, and across Alberta, we’ll guide you through the legal process and deal with insurance companies for you. Contact us today for a free, no-obligation consultation. You’ll never pay a cent in fees until we win your claim.
