Safer winter highways

Overview

When winter hits, nearly 700 snowplows and other snow removal equipment, such as graders, work to keep Alberta’s highways clear and open to traffic. Snowplow operators are committed to maintaining safe winter driving conditions, but drivers have a role to play too.

Winter driving tips

Stay off the road during winter storms, unless travel is absolutely necessary. If roads are closed, do not travel at all.

Be prepared

Winterize your vehicle

Check your vehicle’s:

• tires (including your spare)
• battery
• belts and hoses
• anti-freeze
• brakes
• heater
• defroster
• windshield wipers

Consider winter tires

Winter or snow tires are specially designed for the low temperatures and snowy and icy conditions we experience in Alberta. They provide better traction than regular or all-season tires.

All tire rubber stiffens as the weather gets colder, but the latest generations of winter tires maintain their elasticity even at extremely low temperatures approaching -30°C and below, providing superior traction and grip.

Read about why winter tires are a sound investment (PDF, 126 KB).

Keep an emergency kit in your vehicle

The emergency kit should include:

• first aid kit
• fire extinguisher
• blanket
• road map and compass
• extra clothing and footwear
• paper towel or rags
• sand, road salt or non-clumping kitty litter
• flashlight with extra batteries
• emergency food – anything that won’t spoil like granola bars, nuts or chocolate
• ice scraper and snowbrush
• cell phone
• candle in a deep tin
• waterproof matches
• shovel
• booster cables

Keep your car fuelled

Keep your vehicle's gas tank more than half full of fuel to help reduce moisture in your fuel system. A topped-up gas tank also adds extra weight to your vehicle and will help if you become stranded.

When you drive

Before you go

• clean snow and ice off your vehicle’s:
  • windows
  • side view mirrors
  • headlights
  • taillights
  • licence plates
• buckle up and adjust head rests (the centre of your head rest should be even with the top of your ears)

Drive safe

Practice safe driving techniques:

• slow down, as posted speed limits are intended for ideal road conditions (and winter roads are not ideal)
  • you’re legally required to drive according to road conditions and can get a ticket if you don’t
  • stay back from snowplows until they let you pass
• plan your destination ahead of time
• keep your headlights on so drivers behind you can see your taillights - don’t rely on daytime running lights
• when changing lanes:
  • signal early to let other drivers anticipate and react
  • check your rearview and side mirrors, and always shoulder check before changing lanes
  • avoid sudden moves (swerving or braking) that could cause you to spin out of control
• never use cruise control in winter conditions
• when driving on slick roads:
  • allow at least 3 times the normal following distance
  • remember that bridge decks are often slicker than other parts of the highway due to greater temperature fluctuations
  • on snowy roads, try driving outside of the previous tire tracks for extra traction
• know your braking system and how it reacts on ice:
  • be gentle with braking pressure on slick roads
  • avoid braking on curves – drive through on 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 to avoid brake wear and chances of sliding
  • be careful of abrupt downshifting which 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

Download a printable version of these safe winter driving tips (PDF, 78 KB)

Winter highway maintenance

Snowplow operators clear roads whenever there are 3 or more cm of snow, or when highways become icy. Sanders make the roads safer, and less slippery, to travel. They also inspect roads and file road reports to 511 Alberta so Albertans can plan their travel.

If you encounter a working snowplow or sander truck on the road, give them space until they are able to pull over for you to safely pass.

Watch a video about how Alberta snowplow operators clear the roads.

Read about:

• a day in the life of a snowplow operator in Alberta (PDF, 238 KB)
• how technology improves winter safety on Alberta highways (PDF, 302 KB)
• highway maintenance contractors in Alberta

Contact

Connect with the Highway Operations section:

Hours: 8:15 am to 4:30 pm (open Monday to Friday, closed statutory holidays)
Phone: 780-644-5520
Toll free: 310-0000 before the phone number (in Alberta)
Email: [email protected]

Address:
2nd Floor, Twin Atria Building
4999 98 Avenue
Edmonton, Alberta  T6B 2X3