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Here’s What You Need to Know to Drive Safely During Calgary’s Winter Months
- Prepare Your Vehicle for Winter Conditions
Before you head out on the road, it’s essential to ensure that your vehicle is winter-ready. A well-maintained vehicle will perform better in snowy or icy conditions and reduce the risk of accidents.
- Tires: Ensure your vehicle is equipped with proper winter tires. These tires are designed to provide better traction in snow, ice, and cold temperatures. If you live in Calgary, where temperatures regularly dip below freezing, it’s crucial to switch from all-season to winter tires by late October or early November.
- Battery check: Cold weather can drain a vehicle’s battery more quickly. Have your battery tested to ensure it’s in good working condition. Replace it if needed.
- Fluids: Make sure your windshield washer fluid is topped up with a winter-specific solution that won’t freeze. Keep your gas tank at least half-full to prevent condensation from freezing in your fuel line.
- Emergency Kit: Pack an emergency winter driving kit, including items like blankets, a flashlight, extra gloves, a shovel, non-perishable snacks, and a first-aid kit. In case of a breakdown or emergency, these items can be invaluable.
- Understand Winter Driving Risks in Calgary
Winter weather can create hazardous driving conditions, particularly in Calgary, where snowstorms can come quickly, and temperatures can fluctuate rapidly. Being aware of the following risks can help you drive more safely:
- Icy roads: Calgary is known for its “chinooks,” which are warm winds that can suddenly raise temperatures and melt snow, creating a dangerous mix of wet and icy conditions. It’s important to stay alert, as these conditions can change quickly, particularly in the early morning or evening.
- Snow and slush: Wet, heavy snow can accumulate on roads, making driving slippery and hazardous. Driving too fast in snow or slush can lead to loss of control.
- Low visibility: Shorter days and snowy conditions often reduce visibility, making it harder to see other vehicles, road signs, or obstacles. Always use your headlights when visibility is poor, even during the daytime.
- Bridges and overpasses: These areas freeze faster than regular roads, so they’re more likely to be icy. Approach them with caution, even if the rest of the road seems clear.
- Your elevation and terrain: Heading into the mountain? Keep in mind that conditions can be drastically different in Banff than the Deerfoot. Make sure as your plan your journey, that include the changing terrain.
- Safe Driving Techniques for Winter
When road conditions are slippery, it’s important to adjust your driving behavior. Here are key winter driving techniques that can help you stay safe on Calgary’s roads:
- Reduce speed: Snow and ice can make roads slippery, so slow down. Reducing your speed will help you maintain control of your vehicle, and give you more time to react in case of sudden obstacles or changes in road conditions.
- Increase following distance: In winter conditions, it takes longer to stop your vehicle, so leave extra space between you and the vehicle in front of you. A good rule of thumb is to maintain at least 6 seconds of following distance.
- Avoid sudden movements: Abrupt steering, braking, or acceleration can cause your tires to lose traction. Make all movements—steering, braking, and accelerating—smooth and gradual.
- Brake early and gently: On icy or snowy roads, brake early to allow for extra stopping time. If you feel your tires starting to skid, ease off the brakes and steer gently into the skid until you regain control.
- Driving in Snowstorms and Bad Weather
Calgary’s winter weather can change unexpectedly, and snowstorms can make even familiar routes dangerous. Here are a few tips for driving in severe weather:
- Check weather and road conditions: Before heading out, check the weather forecast and road conditions, especially if you’re driving long distances or commuting during rush hours. Alberta 511 provides real-time road reports for the province.
- Use headlights: Snowstorms can significantly reduce visibility. Always use your headlights, not just your daytime running lights, to ensure other drivers can see you clearly.
- Pull over if necessary: If visibility drops too low or road conditions worsen, it’s safest to pull over to the side of the road in a safe spot and wait until conditions improve.
Workplace OH&S Considerations for Winter Driving
In many workplaces, employees may be required to drive during the winter months as part of their job, whether it’s delivering goods, visiting clients, or traveling to job sites. OH&S practices are essential for ensuring the safety of workers in these conditions.
- Risk assessments: Employers should conduct regular risk assessments to identify winter-specific driving hazards. This includes assessing the safety of work vehicles, reviewing safe driving policies, and ensuring that employees are trained to recognize and avoid winter road hazards.
- Training: Employers should provide winter driving training to employees who need to drive as part of their job. This training should cover safe driving techniques, emergency procedures, and the importance of vehicle maintenance.
- Rest periods: Driving for extended periods during winter conditions can cause fatigue, which can impair reaction times. Employers should ensure that employees have adequate rest and breaks, particularly if driving long distances in adverse weather.
- Vehicle checks: For businesses that require employees to use company vehicles, OH&S regulations mandate regular vehicle inspections to ensure that they are equipped to handle winter conditions. This includes checking tires, fluids, lights, and brakes.
- Employ Journey Management: Most companies who use transportation for their business have journey management programs. There’s a lot of moving components to such a program which is valuable to tracking employees throughout the workday to ensure they are safe and accounted for.
Stay Calm and Be Prepared
Winter driving in Calgary can be challenging, but being prepared can make all the difference. By ensuring that your vehicle is well-maintained, understanding the specific hazards of winter roads, and practicing safe driving techniques, you can reduce the risk of accidents and enjoy safer travel throughout the season.
Remember that OH&S is about promoting safety and well-being in all areas of life, including when driving to work, running errands, or traveling on business. As a business owner or employee, following safe driving practices and encouraging winter preparedness can ensure that everyone stays safe on the road.
By prioritizing safety, you’ll not only protect yourself but also help reduce the impact of winter hazards on Calgary’s roadways. Stay safe this winter and enjoy a smooth drive through the season!
Book your complimentary consultation today for your free consult to improve or develop your driving programs.
How we help
If your workers drive for work this winter, Calgary Safety Consultants can help employers in Alberta, British Columbia and Saskatchewan assess driving hazards and put practical winter driving procedures in place.
About the author
John Duplessis, B.Sc., CRSP
John Duplessis is a Canadian Registered Safety Professional with more than 30 years of occupational health and safety experience in oil and gas, construction, green energy, midstream operations, and industrial project work.
