Winter roads call for cold-weather kits

By Trent Wilkie, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter, St. Albert Gazette

Preparing a winter roadside kit could mean the difference between discomfort and danger for Alberta drivers this holiday season. As extreme cold sets in, experts warn that being stuck without essentials can turn a breakdown into a survival situation.

The Alberta Motor Association says recent cold snaps have created some of the busiest weeks on record for roadside assistance. Between Jan. 9 and Jan. 16, 2024, AMA received more than 45,600 calls, with one Friday alone topping 9,000 calls in 24 hours. Battery boosts surged to 18 times normal volume, while tow and winch services ran 15 times higher than usual. In another cold snap earlier that month, AMA logged 32,000 calls in less than a week, describing it as “one of the busiest on record.”

“We were at 33 times normal for boosting volumes,” AMA spokesperson Brandon Klassen told Global News. “If you’re one of the people still in need of assistance, please know we’re doing everything we can to get you moving again.”

Cold weather is especially punishing on vehicles. At -18 C, lead‑acid car batteries lose up to 40 to 50 per cent of their capacity, making breakdowns far more common. Fuel lines can freeze, tires stiffen, and engines struggle to turn over. Winter causes more breakdowns than any other season, with batteries, alternators, and even door locks failing. Hazardous roads and Alberta’s long distances make tow delays inevitable, especially in blizzards.

Experts recommend a roadside kit that covers warmth, food, safety, and communication. Drivers should pack wool blankets or sleeping bags, extra mittens, hats, socks, and chemical hand warmers.

Food should include high‑calorie items like granola bars, jerky, and bottled water. These items should not be left in the vehicle due to the obvious freezing issues. As well, food left for long periods in vehicles can attract rodents that run amok.

Safety gear should include a wind‑up flashlight/radio, reflective triangle, booster cables, tow strap, glow sticks, and a compact shovel. A first aid kit with personal/family specific medications, and a charged power bank are essential (again, pack as needed because of cold-weather‑related battery depletion). Comfort items like candles in a metal tin and waterproof matches should be used carefully because burning candles inside a car can be dangerous due to carbon monoxide and oxygen depletion risks.

Outdoor enthusiast and photographer Leah Chicago‑Fader knows firsthand how vital these preparations can be. Having spent countless hours travelling Alberta’s back roads, she’s no stranger to winter’s punishing conditions. “I’ve had to use the battery booster regularly both on my car and on other cars,” Chicago‑Fader said. “I’ve also had to use the shovel to dig myself out after getting trapped by snow from a snow plow.” Her personal kit goes beyond the basics: ramen noodles, an alcohol stove with methyl hydrate, matches, a lighter, stainless steel pot, toilet paper, blankets, MEC Hut Booties, a battery booster, solar panel, and traction aides. It’s a reminder that preparation isn’t just about comfort — it’s about resilience and resourcefulness if the unexpected happens.

If an extended stay on the side of the road is imminent, drivers must check the car’s back end. If snow blocks the exhaust pipe, carbon monoxide can build up inside the vehicle, creating a deadly risk of poisoning. Always clear snow from the tailpipe before running the engine and, if idling for heat, keep the exhaust area clear and crack a window for ventilation.

With roadside calls surging and wait times stretching, Albertans are reminded that winter driving isn’t just about avoiding crashes — it’s about being ready to endure the cold if they get stuck.