Westworld Alberta
Issue link: http://westworldmagazine.ama.ab.ca/i/402160
CURTIS TRENT W I N T E R 2 0 1 4 | W E S T W O R L D A L B E R T A 59 MOMMA SAID: WINTER DRIVING EDITION Preparing yourself for safer winter driving is easy if you follow a few pieces of advice that your mother has given you a hundred times: You're not going out dressed like that. Sure, it's warm and cozy inside your heated car, but you still need a warm jacket, gloves and clothing to cover any exposed skin. Because if you break down in –30 C temperatures, ip- ops and yoga pants won't cut it. Slow down, where's the re? What she said. Always drive according to the conditions. When the roads are slippery and visibility is low, that could be the speed limit – or a lot slower. Also best to avoid passing in snowy conditions, when visibility is low and you might not see an oncoming vehicle until it's right on top of you. If he jumped off a cliff, would you? Just because other drivers are speeding and slip- sliding around icy corners, that doesn't mean you need to lose your head and drive unsafely. Take it slow and steady; stay calm and pull over if someone is tailgating you. Think before you act. Plan your route in advance, and check AMA Road Reports – including the real-time camera footage – for up-to-date weather and road conditions. If it's really hairy out there, consider staying home. Call me when you get there. OK, this one is cheating a bit, but yes, we agree: use your phone when you arrive at your destination, not along the way. Distracted driving is dangerous in the best of weather –imagine how risky it is compounded by ice-slick roads and blowing snow. Mom wants you home in one piece. WINDSHIELD: Stay transparent V isibility is critical for winter driving, so winter is a good time to repair any dings or cracks in your wind- shield, and replace it if necessary. While you're at it, consider springing for a Diamon-Fusion coating, a protec- tive compound applied to the glass before installation. ese coatings combat what GlassMasters Autoglass regional manager Jamie Goddard calls "the sandblasting e ect." at is: dulling, scratches and chips caused by kicked-up road gravel, and gravel that's been pulverized by vehicle wheels to a ne, scratchy substance. " ese coatings are also great at repelling water, slush, snow, ice and bugs, which isn't a sur- prise if they can help prevent a rock chip from forming," says Goddard. Diamon-Fusion coatings can be applied in varying thicknesses from "Defender" to "Ultra," the thickest. Get a free Defender coating with your windshield instal- lation, until Dec. 31, at GlassMasters Autoglass. AMARewards.ca/ GlassMasters