Getting you and your car ready for a safe holiday

As thousands of Albertans prepare to take road trips this holiday season, Alberta Transportation reminds them to maintain their vehicles and follow some important driving tips.

“Drive Safe. It’s a phrase we hear so often during the holidays.  Yet, we often don’t follow the simple steps that can make the difference between a good holiday memory and a sad one.  Safety is in all of our hands.”

In 2012, the highest number of injury collisions in Alberta occurred during the month of December. Property damage collisions were also highest during the months of November and December.

“I hope Albertans have a wonderful holiday and that you look out for one another on the roads. I know that I find nothing more comforting than that call from a loved one telling me they’ve made it home safely.”

Prepare your vehicle

• Ensure your vehicle is in good working condition. It’s not too late to have your vehicle checked and serviced before the holiday.
• Consider using winter tires, which provide better traction.
• Ensure your vehicle always has at least half a tank of gas.
• Carry an emergency road kit that includes a blanket, extra clothing, sand or road salt, shovel, ice scraper, snowbrush, tire chains, first aid kit, booster cables, flashlight with extra batteries, non-perishable food, inflated spare tire and tire jack, tow rope, approved warning devices like reflective triangles, candle in a deep tin, and matches.

Adjust your driving behaviour

• Drive for the road conditions.  The speed limit applies to ideal conditions and drivers should slow down when visibility or road conditions are not ideal.
• Slow down. Allow more time for stopping.
• Increase the distance between your vehicle and other vehicles. Do not follow too closely.
• Do not use cruise control. You could lose control if your vehicle hits a patch of ice and continues to accelerate.
• Watch for icy road conditions. Intersections, bridge decks and overpasses tend to become slippery more quickly.
• Use caution when approaching sharp curves and steep hills in the winter.
• Before you leave, call 511 or visit 511 Alberta to plan your route and get up-to-date information about current highway conditions.
• If possible, do not travel when road conditions are poor.

Related information

Driver’s Guide to Operation, Safety and Licensing

Winter Driving Tips (pdf)

Multimedia

A winter storm in March 2013 resulted in a 100 vehicle pileup on QEII. Photo credit: RCMP

Road reports

For up-to-date road information and traffic delays

Call:  511 toll-free

Visit:  511.alberta.ca

Follow:  @511Alberta