Calgary has turned into a winter wonderland. It has been snowing steadily since Christmas Eve, blanketing our beautiful city in white, fluffy flakes. With such a beautiful winter landscape to explore, many people are embarking on adventures. With so many beautiful places close to the city, day trips and longer road trips are a fantastic way to enjoy the season. However, while the snow is beautiful, it also makes for dangerous driving conditions. Here are some tips for how to have a safe road trip experience:
1). First thing you need to do is make sure your vehicle is ready and equipped to handle the winter driving conditions. It is essential that you have winter tires (and a spare), that your battery, belts, brakes, heater and windshield wipers are all in top condition, and that all vehicle fluids are topped up and fresh.
2). Make sure you have an emergency kit on hand. It should include: a first aid kit, blanket, roadmap, rags, sand, a candle, matches, booster cables, flashlight, water and dried food, extra clothes, etc. You need to be prepared for any emergency. While road trips are fun when you have a working, warm vehicle to be in, they can become deadly fast if you are not prepared for a break-down.
3). Ensure that your cell phones are charged, that someone knows where you’re going just incase you fall off the grid, and that you have some sort of vehicle protection insurance, such as an AMA membership. Check the roads ahead of time so that you know exactly what you are getting yourself into and can be as prepared as possible.
4). During your trip make sure you don’t let your gas get too low (this is to ensure that the gas line doesn’t freeze and gives you a buffer incase you get lost or a gas station is closed.
5). Be smart and drive the conditions. Match traffic, this is not a time to speed and make risky choices. Also refrain from using your cruise control as much as possible.
6). Keep an eye out for wildlife! When you see crossing signs pay attention, they are there for a reason. Even if an animal is on the side of the road, slow down just incase it decides to run across the road. Be particularly cautious during the morning and right at dusk as those are the times animals venture out to gather food and migrate.
For more information, check out AMA’s advice here.
Have fun, stay safe, and take lots of pictures! Enjoy the beautiful weather.
Posted by Ken Richter on
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