Viva Vitality: Are you winter driving ready?

By Laura Lukye on November 22, 2024.

Winter is closing in and it’s time to plan ahead to get you and your vehicle ready for the winter season.

Years ago, I remember my daughter’s teacher getting stuck on Hwy 1 between Tilley and Brooks in a snowstorm. She was stranded on the highway for hours in her vehicle. She spoke to her students the next week explaining how important it is to be ready for driving in the winter and encouraged them to go home to educate their parents.

Here are her words of wisdom:

1. Don’t think it won’t happen to you, you can’t predict the weather so be prepared.

2. Winterize your vehicle: get your winter tires on, and check your battery life, anti-freeze, heater and windshield wipers.

3. Try to keep your vehicles fuel level more than half full. If stranded, fuel is needed to keep the car warm.

4. Carry an emergency kit in your vehicle. Essentials include a first aid kit, blanket, extra clothing, booster cables, candle, portable charger, and emergency food such as granola bars, nuts, or chocolate.

5. Unless travel is necessary, stay off the roads during major storms.

6. Give yourself lots of space, allow yourself at least three times the normal following distance to stop.

7. Turn on your headlights to stay visible to other drivers.

We can’t stop winter from coming but we can get prepared. To find out about road conditions and reports before you travel, dial 511 or visit 511.Alberta.ca. For more information and winter driving tips visit transportation.alberta.ca. Stay safe this winter season.

Laura Lukye is a health promotion facilitator with Alberta Health Services’ Population Health Promotion Program.