Traffic safety tips

November’s traffic safety focus is winter driving.

Do your part to keep yourself and others safe and to help maintenance crews clear the roads as safely and efficiently as possible. Plan ahead and drive according to the conditions.

Unless travel is absolutely necessary, stay off the roads during major storms.

Winterize your vehicles. This should include an examination of the spare tire, battery, belts, hoses, anti-freeze, tires, brakes, heater, defroster and windshield wipers.

Be prepared and drive to the conditions

There are several steps you can take to make winter driving in Calgary safer.

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Before you hit the road

  • Carry an emergency road kit in your vehicle.
  • Clear all snow and ice completely off windows, side view mirrors, headlights, taillights and license plates.
  • Buckle up and adjust head restraints. The centre of your head restraint should be even with the top of your ears.
  • Keep your vehicles more than half full of fuel. The extra volume can help reduce moisture in your fuel system, which adds extra weight to your vehicle. A topped-up gas tank will also help if you become stranded.
  • Plan your destination ahead of time and leave extra time to arrive.

Do

Carry an emergency road kit including:

  • First-aid kit
  • Fire extinguisher
  • Blanket
  • Road map and compass
  • Extra clothing and footwear
  • Paper towel or rags
  • Sand, road salt or non-clumping cat litter
  • Flashlight with extra batteries
  • Emergency food – anything that won’t spoil such as granola bars, nuts or chocolate
  • Ice scraper and snowbrush
  • Cell phone
  • Candle in a deep tin
  • Waterproof matches
  • Shovel
  • Booster cables

While on the road

  • Slow down. The posted speed limit is intended for ideal road conditions. Road signs may indicate 80 km/h, but icy or snow-covered roads warrant slower speeds.
  • Drivers are legally required to drive according to road conditions. You can be charged with a traffic offence if you aren’t driving to the conditions.
  • Stay back from snowplows. They will let you pass when it’s safe to do so.
  • Keep your headlights on so drivers behind you can see your taillights and don’t rely on daytime running lights.
  • Never use cruise control in winter conditions.
  • Signal early to let other drivers anticipate and react. Check your rear view and side mirrors, and always shoulder check before changing lanes.

How to handle snow-covered roads

  • On snowy roads, try driving outside of the previous tire tracks for extra traction.
  • Avoid sudden moves. Abrupt changes in direction or slamming on the brakes could cause you to spin out of control.
  • On wet/slick surfaces, allow at least three times the normal following distance to stop.
  • Remember; bridge decks and overpasses are often slicker than other parts of the roadway are, due to greater temperature fluctuations.
  • Know your braking system and how it reacts on ice. Be gentle with braking pressure on slick roads. Avoid braking on curves; drive through at a safe, steady speed.
  • Accelerate slightly when approaching hills and then maintain a steady speed going up.
  • Gear down for both uphill climbs and downhill grades. This will avoid brake wear and chances of sliding. Be careful of abrupt downshifting as it can upset a vehicle's balance and can cause skidding, particularly when turning.
  • Take your foot off the brake if you start to skid, and steer in the direction you want to go. When the wheels regain their grip, brake firmly and smoothly.
  • When driving a rear-wheel drive, prepare to steer just enough in the opposite direction to prevent a counter skid.

Check out the Calgary Traffic Tips booklet for the information you need to become more knowledgeable, safe and confident when moving around Calgary streets and sidewalks.

Related information

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