Phot courtesy EverythingGP Staff

By Erika Rolling

Winter Weather Woes

No sign of rest ahead, over 49,000 calls to AMA during cold spell

Jan 18, 2024 | 12:00 PM

The Alberta Motor Association says even though the province is now on the back end of the prolonged extreme cold weather, they are still working through one of the worst periods in their history for roadside calls.

AMA says that with slighter warmer weather, it doesn’t mean that calls have stopped, and crews are still working around the clock to help Albertans with their car troubles whether it be a dead battery, a boost needed, or even a vehicle snowbound and in need of winching.

Spokesman for AMA, Brandon Klassen said in a statement:

“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.”

“We’re grateful for everyone’s patience and understanding. If you’re one of the people still in need of assistance, please know we’re doing everything we can to get you moving again.”

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In AMA’s nearly 100-year history, January 9-17, 2024, they received more than 49,000 calls for help. The company says requests for boosts clocked as high as 33 times the normal amount.

The peak for roadside requests was Friday, January 12, which had over 9,000 calls in just 24 hours. AMA called in extra assistance from places like GlassMasters, Lube City, and ATS Traffic to help their members with roughly 1,000 boosts.

AMA says there is still a backlog of requests and it’s taking more time for a response from roadside workers as a result, especially in places with forecasted snow.

Some tips to stay protected are:

• Carrying an emergency kit in your vehicle at all times. Items should include things like a blanket, warm clothing, caution triangles, a flashlight, gloves, and a folding shovel.
• Prior to driving, plug your vehicle in for a least four hours when it is -15°C or below.
• Switch to synthetic oil if your vehicle is not equipped with a block heater.
• Make sure your tires are inflated to the proper pressure, as tires can lose one pound per square inch of pressure for every five-degree temperature drop.
• Check to see if both front and rear lights are turned on and not just using the daytime running lights, as they often just illuminate the front and don’t provide full visibility.
• Consider alternate transportation if you are unsure of your vehicle’s battery health, get it checked or install a new one.
• Have your gas tank at least half full and consider using gas-line antifreeze.
• While driving, maintain a safe distance behind other vehicles when conditions are icy/snowy so it can allow for sudden adjustments (four to six seconds behind).

The AMA has over 980,000 members and is among one of the largest membership organizations in the province.