The start of this work week brought more than just the usual Monday-morning blues in Calgary. A snowfall that started Sunday evening carried through to Monday afternoon, leaving behind from 10 to 15 centimetres of accumulation in the city and 10 to 20 centimetres for areas farther south, says the CBC.
The roads were slick and hazardous. Between midnight and 4 p.m., Calgary police responded to 389 collisions, with 26 involving injuries, and there were an additional 50 non-injury hit-and-runs.
Even though winter does indeed come every year, we all need reminders as to how to deal with the worst of it. Here is a compilation of tips for getting through the cold months safe and accident-free.
How to report a hit-and-run
Being the victim of a hit-and-run is frustrating and annoying, and often damage is not noticed right away. That’s why, in the winter especially, it’s a good idea to always take a walk around your vehicle each time you come back to it to look for things such as damage and flat tires.
- Note the date, time and location of the incident to the best of your ability.
- Take note of any cameras that may have caught the incident.
- Ask anyone who may be around if they saw who hit your car and if they can provide a description of the driver and vehicle.
- Write down the names and contact information of any witnesses.
- Take photos of the damage.
- Take note of the vehicles around you and their make, model, and licence plate.
- Report the accident to police as soon as possible, as the report number will be required for your auto insurance claim.
- Inform your insurance company, even if you do not plan on making a claim.
Take a close look at your tires
Calgary Transit faced significant challenges on Monday, with roughly 50 buses stuck, mostly in the northwest, and all snow detours activated during the morning rush. Transit is continuing to transition its 40- and 60-foot fleet from worn all-season tires to new all-weather versions, a process expected to continue through 2029.
All-weather tires are much better than all-season as they provide stronger traction while still offering reliable handling in warmer months. Many think of them as the perfect hybrid solution and are identifiable by a three-peak mountain snowflake (3PMSF) symbol recognized by Transport Canada.
All-season tires are really only good for three seasons, and winter is not one of them.
Winter tires are the superior option for traversing winter roads. They have treads that actively eject water, ice and snow, helping the tire maintain better contact. This results in a superior grip and more predictable, more controlled handling. They are also made of softer, more pliable grades of rubber that don’t become as rigid in sub-zero temperatures.
To check if your tires are still in good condition, inspect the tread depth using a tread gauge or the toonie test. If the tread is worn too low, it’s time for a replacement. You should also look for cracks, bulges, uneven wear, or vibrations while driving, all of which may signal that your tires need attention.
Don’t be overly dependent on all-wheel drive
Although it is helpful for gaining traction, for example, getting up an icy hill, all-wheel drive (AWD) will not help you stop faster. During testing carried out by Consumer Reports, a front-wheel drive vehicle performed just as well as an all-wheel drive vehicle in braking tests. Don’t be over-confident with your AWD.
Safe winter driving
Winter driving is all about preparation and awareness. Ensure you have enough time to react if something unexpected happens ahead.
- Leave plenty of space between you and the driver ahead of you — use the three-second rule.
- Avoid driving in poor weather whenever possible, and try to stay off the roads at night.
- Keep your headlights on at all times, even during the day.
- Steer smoothly, avoid sudden turns or lane changes, and signal well in advance.
- Stay focused on the road — avoid distractions and never text or use your phone while driving, which can come with serious consequences.
- Do not use cruise control in winter conditions.
It’s also helpful to remember slide-recovery techniques. If you lose control of your vehicle:
- Ease your foot off the brakes.
- Steer in the direction you want the vehicle to go.
Once the vehicle begins to stabilize, apply firm, steady pressure to the brakes.
Great service and competitive rates from Lane’s Insurance
Lane’s Insurance is a leading Alberta-based brokerage, providing a wide range of auto insurance options at highly competitive rates. Remember that Lane’s Insurance customers can save 20% by bundling their home and auto insurance together. Contact us at our Calgary, Banff, Edmonton, or greater Alberta offices to find out what we can do for you.
