It is finally here, the season most drivers are never prepared for, winter. For most local drivers in Lethbridge, the first snowfall is everyone’s official announcement to replace regular tires with winter or seasonal tires.
Life would be simple if it was easier said than done. Take a walk into any tire shop in Lethbridge and guaranteed you’ll be put on the waiting list and for some drivers, it may feel like a lifetime.
Considering the ratio between the amount of tire shops in the city and the population of drivers needing to change their tires, it could be tedious if you’re impatient.
A few years ago, I went into a tire shop and purchased winter tires for my vehicle, and I found myself waiting in line for half an hour. Once I reached the desk, the associate explained how winter tires would make a complete difference regarding bad road conditions.
I felt as if the associate was demanding me to spend more money than I should. Eventually he explained in depth with statistics of collisions and proved that winter roads are prone to creating fatal collisions.
After careful consideration and plenty of time to think, I purchased the tires. Entering the icy roads with the new winter tires in a sale regret state of mind, I noticed a complete difference driving on slush and ice.
It is difficult to stand in a long line-up at your local tire shop but consider the true prevention you’re making. Accidents in Alberta occur quite often.
Government of Alberta recently gave a 2013 transportation report on collisions in the province, revealing the highest collisions occurred in Nov. and Dec. The fatalities are not as high but the property damages and injuries are still surprisingly high.
It is tough to admit accidents happening around this time a year ago are simply coincidences. Take into factor that South West Alberta is a Chinook climate and the roads are prone to being filled with slush and ice.
Alberta Traffic Collision Statistics revealed 60.9 per cent of all casualty collisions on road conditions were dry. The winter conditions show 16.6 per cent were involved in fatal collisions and 27.3 per cent were non-fatal.
Results show it is quite dangerous for drivers who enter the environment without winter or all season tires.
“I stand behind them [winter tires], they make winter a lot less stressful,” says Anthony Keen, a winter tire customer.
Keen explains his experience and how the stop rate on ice and snow increases as you prevent any sliding on icy roads and that makes the drives much more safe.
According to Government of Alberta, the majority of frequently involved in total collisions are cars. PMC Tires recently evaluated the best winter tires for cars in 2014-2015 and the top three are Michelin’s X-Ice, Hercules’ Avalanche and Bridgestone’s Blizzak.
You can prevent any accidents by purchasing winter or seasonal tires at your local tire shop. If you are still hesitant, there is no forcing you but rethink the idea of our climate and your tire conditions.
I cannot stress how important it is to dive into that pocket and make your winter a little more safe. For those who are buying or purchased new winter tires, it is relieving to say life goes on…