| Winter means snow and ice. When winter hits, it’s the job of snowplow operators to keep our provincial highways clear and open to traffic. They’re committed to maintaining safe winter driving conditions, but they can’t do it alone. Drivers have a role to play, too, if incidents are to be avoided.This year, the Alberta government and the Alberta Roadbuilders and Heavy Construction Association are co-sponsoring a multimedia campaign to drive this message home.
For more information, check out:
Facts about winter highway maintenance in Alberta (pdf 99K)
Winter driving tips for Alberta motorists (pdf 98K)
Winter Driving Tips for Alberta Motorists
Do your part to keep our highways safe this winter and make it easier for maintenance crews to clear away snow and
ice as quickly and efficiently as possible. Plan ahead and drive according to the conditions.
Keep your vehicles in shape for winter driving
• Winterize your vehicles. This should include an examination of the spare tire, battery, belts, hoses, anti-freeze, tires,
brakes, heater, defroster and windshield wipers.
• Carry an emergency road kit in your vehicle’s trunk or cargo space.
• Clear all snow and ice completely off windows, side view mirrors, headlights, taillights and licence plates.
• Buckle up and adjust head restraints. The centre of your head restraint should be even with the top of your ears.
• Try to keep your vehicle’s fuel tank more than half full. The extra volume can help reduce moisture problems in your
fuel system and it adds extra weight to your vehicle. A topped-up gas tank will also be an asset if you become
stranded.
Don’t expect clear and dry summer highway conditions in the winter
• The Alberta government and its highway maintenance contractors work hard to keep Alberta’s highways clear and
open to traffic during the winter. However, some severe storms exceed their ability to keep highways free of snow
and ice. This may be caused by the amount of snow, timing or duration of the storm, high winds, freezing rain or a
combination of all of these factors.
Drive cautiously during bad weather
• Slow down when conditions aren’t ideal. The posted speed limit is intended for ideal road conditions. Even if road
signs say you may drive 110 km/h, that doesn’t mean you should if the road is icy or snow-covered.
• Motorists have a legal obligation to drive according to road conditions. You can be charged with a traffic offence by
police if you are found not to be doing so.
• Unless travel is absolutely necessary, stay off the roads during major storms. |
Pinoy Edmonton News 