Albertans, it’s that time of year again: the season of cheer, togetherness, and terrible driving conditions. As the snow, slush, and ice start accumulating on our roads, take every possible precaution to make it through the holidays safely. One of the surest ways to decrease your likelihood of needing an accident injury lawyer this season is by using winter tires. Yes, it’s a headache to get them changed – but you could deal with a lot worse than a headache without them. If you haven’t made the switch yet, check out these reasons why winter tires should be on the top of your to-do list.
All-Season isn’t all you need.
Sure, they’re called all-season, but a tire designed to take on the different conditions Alberta experiences in a year is a jack-of-all-trades, master of none. We all know that tires wear the longer they’re on your vehicle, so keeping the same set on during the winter already puts you at a disadvantage. Combine that with the poor winter handling and inferior tread of All-Season tires, and you’ve got the recipe for a winter auto accident. For more details on why All-Season tires aren’t enough to keep you safe, check out this article.
Be flexible.
Winter tires are specifically designed for (you guessed it!) winter, but as we all know, winters in Alberta can take many forms. Whether it’s a blizzard or a dry road, winter tires are an ideal partner for taking on the changing weather because of one simple reason: they stay more flexible than traditional tires at low temperatures. Traction is the key to staying in control on the road, and hard tires just won’t cut it – it requires soft and malleable contact with the road. With winter tires on your vehicle, you’ll know that despite the weather, you’ve got the best possible traction beneath you.
Maximize stopping power.
During the snowy season, you need to be ready to stop at a moment’s notice to avoid unexpected hazards like pedestrians and other vehicles. It’s challenging enough to react in time when conditions are ideal, but doing so during the winter when the roads are slick makes it exponentially more difficult. With traditional tires unsuited for winter, you’re truly at the mercy of momentum as your braking distance becomes inconsistent and downright dangerous. Winter tires, on the other hand, have been proven to shorten the stopping distance of a vehicle by 30-40% in snow, ice, and slush.  That percentage can mean the difference between a close call, and a call to your personal injury lawyer.
Not everyone is responsible.
Got your winter tires? Great! Unfortunately, winter tires are not legally mandatory in Alberta, so there are no guarantees that other drivers have made the right choice like you have. That means that while your winter tires will go a long way in protecting you and your family, the unthinkable can happen. For more steps you can take in staying safe on the roads this season, take a look at our post about Winter Driving Tips here. If you are involved in an auto accident this winter, know that the personal injury lawyers at Litco Law are standing by all season to provide help when you need it most. Contact us today for your free consultation, and drive safe out there!
