Westworld Alberta
Issue link: http://westworldmagazine.ama.ab.ca/i/198651
Hills Mountain Road Smarts Your behind-the-wheel style should change along with your elevation – here's how Avoid moving to the centre of the road when driving alongside a drop-off. Stay in the middle of your lane. Check avalanche warnings before you depart, along with other road conditions. Pay attention to avalanchewarning signs and don't stop in these areas. Many mountain collisions are caused by icy roads. Black ice forms in shaded areas, near open bodies of water, on bridge decks and in areas where drivers frequently brake and accelerate, such as curves. Watch for wildlife. Deer, moose and elk are common sights on mountain roads. Your car's engine, cooling, transmission and braking systems work harder on hills, so only head into the mountains in a properly maintained vehicle. stesha ho p36-37_MountainDriving.indd 37 Install a set of four identical winter tires on your vehicle for improved traction. Shift to a lower gear when going up or down a hill. This will allow your engine and transmission to aid in braking and accelerating. For the same reason, switch off overdrive. Fuel efficiency drops in the winter, so monitor your fuel levels closely. Gas stations in remote locations are often closed during the winter, so refuel when your tank hits the halfway mark. w i n t e r 2 0 13 | w e s t w o r l d A l b e r t a 37 13-10-15 9:53 AM