Friday's snow storm brought about road conditions like this near Pouce Coupe (Photo submitted by Jane Lock)

By Emily Keller

WEATHER

Recent snowfall has AMA thinking winter driving safety

Oct 30, 2019 | 5:30 AM

Recent snowfall has already made an impact on driving conditions in and around the Grande Prairie area, as well as around Alberta.

Ryan Lemont with the Alberta Motor Association says winter tires are especially important in the Alberta climate.

“Winter tires can really be the difference between stopping in a short distance and in a longer distance. When it comes to winter tires, you can actually decrease your stopping distance and increase your handling overall, so when it comes to safety, definitely recommend getting winter tires.”

Lemont says winter tires should be put on around September or October and be taken off around April and May.

Another recommendation for winter driving is to keep a winter emergency kit in the vehicle, says Lemont.

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“There’s no set list for what you can have for an emergency kit but things like a warm blanket, some warm clothing, maybe a flashlight and gloves, maybe even a shovel, booster cables too would be a good thing. So, just more in the sense of be prepared before you head out.”

He adds that a common mistake made in the winter is that drivers often follow too closely and do not drive to the appropriate conditions.

Lemont says motorists should be prepared for the weather and allow time for slower driving in case of dangerous conditions, and to ensure they have thoroughly cleaned their vehicle of potential obstructions.