WINTER suRvIval guide
Rules of the
Roadside
Sometimes you still
end up stuck, no
matter how much
you winterize or how
safely you drive.
Follow these rules so
you’re not left in the
cold for long
1. Check weather and
Keep calm and carry on
to rule number two.
Rule No. 2:
Carry a cell phone
charger
Always stash a charger
or backup power so you
can call for help.
Rule No. 3:
Call AMA
We’re here for you 24/7.
Call 1-800-222-4357 or
request service online at
ama.ab.ca
Rule No. 4:
Make an SOS
Place a bright rope or
scarf in a rolled up window to signal distress.
Rule No. 5:
Don’t overexert
yourself
digging out will just
make you cold and tired.
2. Plan your route in
advance. Allow extra time
for travel and let others
know your route and ETA.
3. Most cars are equipped
with daytime running
lights, but that may not
include your full headlights and/or taillights.
Manually turn on lights
when days are shorter and
visibility is reduced.
4. Snow and ice can
triple your stopping
distance. Leave morethan-normal space
between the car ahead of
you and use turn signals
well in advance to alert
drivers behind you.
off the gas pedal—do not
apply the brakes—look
and steer where you want
the vehicle to go.
6. Don’t crowd the plow.
While it is legal to pass
snowplows, always give
operators room to work—
to prevent collisions and
help them clear roads
faster. Plows can impact
visibility by scattering
loose snow, so slow down,
stay back and wait for the
plow to move aside before
attempting a pass.
7. Slow down around
tow trucks—it’s the law.
In Alberta, motorists
must slow to at least
60 km/hour (or less if
the posted limit is lower)
when they’re in the lane
next to a parked tow truck
with lights flashing. On
highways, try to move to
the far lane to give operators room to work safely.
8. Always slow down at
intersections. Pay special
attention in school zones.
9. AMA Driving experts
and educators can teach
you smarter driving
strategies, like threshold
braking, steering techniques and how to get
out of a skid. Consider
brushing up on your skills
with an AMA driving
course: ama.ab.ca/
DriverEducation
5. Use gentle braking and
Rule No. 6:
Stay warm
Run the engine just long
enough to remove the
chill; then turn it off to
conserve fuel. Clear snow
and ice from the exhaust
pipe to prevent carbon
monoxide leaking into
the vehicle.
AMA INsIdER
steering techniques—9
and 3 hand positions
provide the best control.
Never pump brakes and
if you feel the ABS brakes
engage, hold firmly and
don’t let up. If you find
yourself in a skid, ease
We’re here to help
To contact AMA Roadside Assistance:
• Call 1-800-CAA-HelP (1-800-222-4357)
• Submit an online request at ama.ab.ca/Help
• Send a request through the AMA app
WoMAN: jEAN-MARIE guyoN/IsToCK; PloWs:ChRIsToPhER FuTChER/IsToCK
Don’t panic
WINTER 2016
Nine essential strategies
for smarter driving on
wintry roads
travel conditions before
heading out. If they’re
poor, stay off the roads.
Download the AMA Road
Reporter App to get the
latest road conditions
on your smartphone:
ama.ab.ca/RoadReporter
Rule No. 1:
48
How to Drive
Smarter