The Alberta Motor Association said is it experiencing a significantly higher-than-normal call volume for roadside assistance due to the extreme cold weather. (Photo: Lethbridge News Now)

By David Opinko

AMA responded to over 10,000 calls for roadside assistance Thursday

Jan 12, 2024 | 12:34 PM

LETHBRIDGE, AB – The Alberta Motor Association (AMA) said it is “all hands on deck” this week.

Automotive Services Supervisor Brandon Klassen said their members responded to more than 10,000 calls for service for roadside assistance on Thursday, January 11, 2024.

He told Pattison Media that the extreme cold weather has lead to far more people than usual needing help with their vehicles.

“It’s 10 times our normal call volume as it relates to boosting and eight times our normal call volume as it relates to towing, so yeah, for sure an increase due to the cold weather,” said Klassen.

As a result, wait times for service across the province are climbing.

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As of this publication, drivers in Edmonton can expect to wait up to 121 hours, or approximately five days, for towing or winching.

AMA’s estimate in Calgary is 48 hours, 24 hours in Grande Prairie, 13 hours in Red Deer, six hours in Lethbridge, and two hours in Medicine Hat.

Klassen said he expects this trend to persist until early next week.

“We are bracing in here for the next two days of an incredibly-high call volume. It’s all hands on deck for AMA and all of our roadside providers out there. Every available resource is out helping Albertans so we thank everyone for their patience,” Klassen said.

AMA advises drivers in Alberta to leave their vehicles plugged in when not in use if possible, consider postponing any non-essential travel, and to have a roadside emergency kit in their vehicle.

Some of the items that AMA recommends having in an emergency roadside kit include:

• 12 ft Booster cables (6 gauge)
• All valuables removed card
• Multi-tool (26-in-1)
• Cotton gloves
• LED flashlight
• Survival tool
• First aid kit
• “Call Police” banner
• Shovel
• 2 Reflective armbands
• Reflective triangle
• Hand/foot warmers
• Blanket
• 2 Bungee cords
• Poncho
• 2 Cable ties
• 2 Tea light candles
• Duct tape
• Waterproof matches
• Safety flag

READ MORE: Extreme cold warning issued for all of Alberta

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