AMA reminding people to switch to winter driving
Posted Nov 2, 2017 12:47 pm.
Last Updated Nov 2, 2017 12:49 pm.
This article is more than 5 years old.
The Alberta Motor Association is reminding drivers about the importance of making the mental switch from summer to winter.
Manager Novice Operations AMA Driver Education Rick Lang said normally it takes one or two weather events for people to get back into the swing of things but if you only have one season under your belt, it could take a bit longer.
“We get 95 per cent plus of the information we need as a driver through our vision,” he explained. “Number one, I want to be able to see as much as I can. I am going to clean all of the snow and ice off of the entire vehicle.”
He said it’s important to turn the headlights on and drive to the conditions.
Lang said when coming to a stop at an intersection, brake early and choose where to stop so you’re not sliding into traffic.
“It can get very icy where everyone does the brake and accelerate,” he described. “Brake very early when you’re coming to a known stop, whether it’s for a red light or a stop sign, so you’re crawling that last few car lengths before you actually come to a stop.”
He added you don’t need to stop dead centre in the lane. You can go off to the side to help prevent hitting an icy patch.
According to Environment Canada, the snow will continue into Friday before gradually tapering off. Total snowfall accumulations of 15 to 25 centimetres are expected by Saturday morning.
