Kevin Laliberte
Editor, Smoky River Express

Last week’s major snowstorm served as a significant reminder to motorists about just how difficult it can be navigate the roads at this time of year. The storm, which hit with a fury on Jan. 12, dumped upwards of 20 centimeters of snow in the Smoky River region, making travel on area highways and rural roads tricky at best. But hey, this is nothing new to most of us born and raised in good old ‘Oil Country.’ After all, as Albertans we’re all well aware of the fact that the weather can change in the blink of an eye, especially at this time of the year when there’s plenty for motorists to contend with. Sagging temperatures, snow, freezing rain, high wind chills, black ice and blowing snow; we’ve pretty much seen it all so far this winter. But it’s how we as motorists adjust to these less than perfect driving conditions which is the true key in our ability to keep the rubber on the road at this time of the year. Let’s face it, winter travel in Alberta can be extremely stressful not to mention unpredictable, regardless of whether it’s a short trip down the road or an extended jaunt across the province. Either way, the key is to be prepared by expecting the unexpected. And that common sense approach begins by having a full automotive check-up carried out on your vehicle by a certified mechanic to ensure it’s ready for whatever Old Man Winter sends your way. Things to take into consideration as we prepare for the coming deep freeze include changing our all-season tires to snow tires in an effort to provide better traction. You may also want to look at installing heavy-duty windshield wipers to improve visibility. One of the necessities you won’t want to leave home without is an emergency kit, complete with things such as an axe, tools, blanket, booster cables, candles, a compass, emergency food supplies, extra clothing, first aid supplies, flares, an ice scraper, sand or cat litter and a shovel (in case you become stuck), water proof matches, a map, cellular telephone and batteries. Highway safety advocates also recommend that you keep the gas tank at least half full, and add gasoline antifreeze to every second tank. Folks venturing out on any extended road trip should take the time to check local weather conditions and road reports prior to leaving and let someone know where you are going and when you expect to arrive. RCMP, meanwhile, continue to remind motorists to take a few simple precautions into consideration when the weather takes a turn for the worese, the most important of which is driving according to the conditions. And while this seems like a common sense approach, it’s not always something that we, as motorists, take into consideration until it’s too late. Some of the things we can do as motorists to reduce the risk of a slippery-induced collision with another vehicle include everything from reducging your speed well ahead of interesections, maintaining a safe distance between you and the vehicle in front of you, and yes, slowing down to meet the conditions. Updated road reports are available through the Alberta Motor Association by calling one toll free number: 1-877-AMA-HWYS (1-877-262-4997). You can also check out local road conditions on their website at www.ama.ab.ca

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