The exasperation in the voices of local RCMP officers and fire-and-rescue officials is palpable.
Over the last couple of weeks, theyíve been dutifully responding to single-vehicle ditchings and rollovers at a rate of almost one per day, and in almost all cases the cause is purely driver error.
Usually, the incidents are the result of drivers traveling too fast for road conditions. Sometimes, it turns out their first mistake was made before the ever put their key in the ignition, as some of the vehicles involved lacked winter tires and other necessities for winter driving.
But the bottom line is that each and every one of these single vehicle ìaccidentsî youíve driven past, read or heard about lately was 100-per-cent preventable.
In winter, road conditions deteriorate. Not necessarily to the ìtravel only if necessaryî level, but sub-zero temperatures and any amount of precipitation can alter the way asphalt reacts to the presence of your vehicle upon it. What looks like clean, bare pavement may not actually be clean and bare, and the expectation that you can merrily motor along at 100-plus km per hour no longer applies.
And if you venture onto the highways in a vehicle that is not appropriately prepared for winter ó proper tires, clear windows, functioning lights and heat ó well, youíre just asking for trouble.
Fortunately, those involved in the recent incidents have escaped serious injury. Nevertheless, the time and resources spent rescuing these folks from the product of their own negligence means those services are not readily available should a bona fide emergency come up.
Yes, itís a long, cold winter in Alberta, and we all want it over with as quickly as possible. But try as you might, driving faster or putting off proper winterizing wonít speed up the clock or the calendar.
Best to slow down, play it safe and make the best of it.
