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By Gates Guarin

Hatters share tips on being prepared during winter driving season

Nov 29, 2022 | 4:44 PM

MEDICINE HAT, AB – As Hatters gear up for the holidays, we are likely to see more vehicles commuting to and from their destinations during the winter months, and with the change in temperature comes a drastic change in road conditions.

Nathan Liske, owner of Nathan’s Towing, has seen his fair share of incidents during the winter months since starting his company in 2015.

“You probably get two or three times the calls you would normally in summertime for sure, because winter- everything breaks in winter.” Liske says.

But Liske is cautioning drivers who may not be completely prepared when travelling, especially as the temperatures start to hit dangerous lows.

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“On busy days when it’s 20, 30 below, there’s sometimes dozens of calls to help people,” Liske says. “From boosting a dead vehicle to helping them change a tire that has come off their vehicle to them being possibly stuck on ice in an alley somewhere.”

A lack of preparedness isn’t the only thing drivers should keep in mind. Mona Delaney, owner of Driver’s Edge driving school, says drivers make common mistakes during this time of year.

“Number one, following too closely, and then braking too late and accelerating too hard,” Delaney says. “Basically not driving to the conditions.”

Delaney adds the posted speed limits are for ideal conditions, something drivers rarely find during this time of year. A report from the Alberta government shows that in 2019, January had the highest reported number of injury collisions, and that the Christmas season saw the highest number of driving injuries.

Delaney says there are ways to counter these conditions, starting before you even get in your vehicle. Completely brushing snow off your car, having working windshield wipers and a full tank of gas are just some of the tips Delaney is giving drivers.

“It’s also important to make sure that your vehicle is in good working order,” Delaney adds. “Check your tires, make sure that you have winter tires. Don’t be part of the summer tire brigade that’s out there, because you’ll slide everywhere.”

She says to also check your tire pressure once a week, as pressure can drop dramatically as the days get colder. Both Liske and Delaney say to always have warm clothing and blankets in your vehicle if you are driving longer distances on the highway, because it could take some time before tow trucks like Liske’s can come and assist.

“I’ve had numerous people call me over the years and they’re broke down on the side of the highway, and I can’t get to them for maybe hours and they’re not dressed for it, and it’s minus 30 and they’re freezing in their vehicle. I’m trying to get there as quick as I can, but there’s only so much I can do.” Liske says.