With winter either just around the corner for parts of the province or already in full swing in other Alberta communities, drivers are being urged to make sure they are prepared for the season.
Dennis Porter, supervisor for AMA Education, said winter driving safety starts with preparation, with one of the most important steps being to equip vehicles with the right tires. He said winter tires are best for cold-weather roads, though all-weather tires can also work.
Porter said drivers should carry a winter emergency kit in their vehicles with essentials such as a sturdy shovel, a warm blanket and other items.
“A backup battery for your cell phone, which is wonderfully handy, and potentially snow pants or an extra coat,” he said. “It’s also good to have a warning triangle that you could possibly set out behind your vehicle if you slip into the ditch.”
He said this measure ensures other drivers can see you, even on roads where vehicles in ditches are almost invisible.
“Another great thing to have in there is make sure your car has jumper cables in it,” Porter said. “I think because we know the winter can be really harsh on our batteries.
“It’s easy to ask for somebody to jump your vehicle, but if they don’t have one and you don’t have one, you’re kind of in a bit of a halt.”
Porter also urged drivers to winterize their vehicles, including getting oil changes and ensuring all fluids are appropriate for cold weather.
“Make certain your windshield washer fluid is not the bug-off stuff, the summer weight stuff that goes in your car,” he said. “Otherwise, it could be frozen for a fairly long period of time. Also, consider a tune-up before winter and ensure your battery is not extremely old, so you’re not going to have a problem starting once it gets cold.”
He added it is important to keep the fuel tank at least half full during winter.
