AMA said it continues to deal with an abnormally-high volume of calls for roadside assistance. (Photo: Pattison Media)

By David Opinko

Alberta Motor Association reports one of its busiest periods for roadside workers

Jan 18, 2024 | 9:35 AM

The Alberta Motor Association said it is working as quickly as it can to get to stranded vehicles.

The company said it received more than 49,000 requests for roadside assistance in the nine days between Jan. 9-17.

Requests for boosting were 33 times higher than the seasonal norm, making it what they call “one of the worst prolonged periods in AMA’s nearly 100-year history in terms of sheer volume.”

Friday, January 12 marked the peak for roadside requests with more than 9,000 calls across the province during the 24-hour period.

AMA said it had to call other service providers like GlassMasters, Lube City and ATS Traffic to assist. Together, they have performed over 1,000 boosts for AMA members.

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Spokesperson Brandon Klassen said employees are working extra-long shifts in attempts to get through the backlog.

“For AMA, the only change warmer weather brings is fewer layers of clothing for our operators, who’ve been working 10, 12, 14-hour shifts—even when temperatures were below -40°C,” said Klassen.

As of 9:30 a.m. on Thursday, January 18, AMA members in Lethbridge can expect to wait around 24 hours for most roadside assistance services.

Drivers in Edmonton would have to wait 112 hours, or just under five days, for towing or winching. The estimated wait time in Calgary is 96 hours, 48 hours in Grande Prairie, and 24 hours in both Red Deer and Medicine Hat.

Some tips to stay safe on the winter roads include:

• Always carry an emergency kit to help ensure your safety in the event of an unexpected breakdown. This should include things like a blanket, warm clothing, caution triangles, a flashlight, gloves, and a folding shovel.
• Prior to driving, plug in your vehicle for at least four hours when the outdoor temperature is -15°C or below.
• Ensure tires are properly inflated, as most tires lose one pound per square inch for every 5°C drop in temperature.
• Ensure both front and rear lights are turned on. (Daytime running lights often just illuminate the front, providing a false sense of visibility.)
• If you have any doubts about your battery’s health, consider alternate transportation until a test is completed or new battery is installed.
• If your vehicle doesn’t have a block heater, switching to synthetic oil will help the engine turn over.
• Ensure your gas tank is at least half full and consider using gas-line antifreeze.
• While driving, scan the road ahead and maintain a safe following distance that allows for adjustments. When the roads are icy or snowy, this means four to six seconds.