Letter From the Editor
As any experienced driver knows, the first few snowflakes of the season signal a shift in how we behave on the road. We tap the brakes a little earlier than we do in the summer. We give more room to the vehicle in front of us. We make sure to catch the local weather before leaving the house. We anticipate.
We tend to do these things subconsciously to shield ourselves from harm. But preparing for winter is also a way we can look out for one another. With this issue of CAA Magazine, we wanted to support our Members in doing both.
Kicking off the season with a thorough safety check of your vehicle, alongside a plan to winterize your driving habits, can help to protect you, your passengers, other motorists and the people whose workplace is the side of the highway. Winter brings additional safety considerations. Every winter, emergency responders, police officers and tow operators — including CAA’s own roadside rescuers — step out onto icy shoulders to assist motorists and maintain the law. The winds may be whipping; the visibility may be near zero. Still, roadside professionals are out there doing their jobs, and how we respond on the roads directly impacts them. Last issue, we shared our Slow Down, Move Over public service announcement with tips on how to keep our rescuers safe.
CAA will be there for you when you need us, in winter and every other season. But with the correct tires, a tested battery and an emergency kit in the trunk, you’ll already be equipped to prevent much of whatever the winter weather might throw your way. Get started with our winter auto primer — and don’t forget your windshield, that workhorse of winter driving, which needs a little extra TLC this time of year.
Of course, winter prep isn’t just for drivers. We’ve asked our experts for advice on safely moving as a pedestrian or cyclist out in the elements, and on fortifying your home against frozen pipes, ice dams and other damage-causing problems.
Seasonal maintenance extends to our mental and physical health, too, especially during the long, dark winter months. Less daylight shakes up our circadian rhythms, and many of us naturally lean into a kind of hibernation. If you’re prone to feeling cooped up during the season’s shorter days, you might love our ideas on how to spread good cheer in your community and how to boost your dopamine levels by socializing at local third places.
Together, these acts of preparation reflect how Canadians support one another every winter. We take care of ourselves and the things that can affect the safety of those around us. And we trust each other to do the same.
Thank you for helping to ensure everyone is a little safer, happier and healthier this season.
How are you taking care of yourself and those around you this winter? I’d love to hear your stories. Email me at caamagazine@caasco.ca
Kristina Urquhart
Editor, CAA Magazine
CAA Club Group of Companies
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As any experienced driver knows, the first few snowflakes of the season signal a shift in how we behave on the road. We tap the brakes a little earlier than we do in the summer. We give more room to the vehicle in front of us. We make sure to catch the local weather before leaving the house. We anticipate.
We tend to do these things subconsciously to shield ourselves from harm. But preparing for winter is also a way we can look out for one another. With this issue of CAA Magazine, we wanted to support our Members in doing both.
Kicking off the season with a thorough safety check of your vehicle, alongside a plan to winterize your driving habits, can help to protect you, your passengers, other motorists and the people whose workplace is the side of the highway. Winter brings additional safety considerations. Every winter, emergency responders, police officers and tow operators — including CAA’s own roadside rescuers — step out onto icy shoulders to assist motorists and maintain the law. The winds may be whipping; the visibility may be near zero. Still, roadside professionals are out there doing their jobs, and how we respond on the roads directly impacts them. Last issue, we shared our Slow Down, Move Over public service announcement with tips on how to keep our rescuers safe.
CAA will be there for you when you need us, in winter and every other season. But with the correct tires, a tested battery and an emergency kit in the trunk, you’ll already be equipped to prevent much of whatever the winter weather might throw your way. Get started with our winter auto primer — and don’t forget your windshield, that workhorse of winter driving, which needs a little extra TLC this time of year.
Of course, winter prep isn’t just for drivers. We’ve asked our experts for advice on safely moving as a pedestrian or cyclist out in the elements, and on fortifying your home against frozen pipes, ice dams and other damage-causing problems.
Seasonal maintenance extends to our mental and physical health, too, especially during the long, dark winter months. Less daylight shakes up our circadian rhythms, and many of us naturally lean into a kind of hibernation. If you’re prone to feeling cooped up during the season’s shorter days, you might love our ideas on how to spread good cheer in your community and how to boost your dopamine levels by socializing at local third places.
Together, these acts of preparation reflect how Canadians support one another every winter. We take care of ourselves and the things that can affect the safety of those around us. And we trust each other to do the same.
Thank you for helping to ensure everyone is a little safer, happier and healthier this season.
How are you taking care of yourself and those around you this winter? I’d love to hear your stories. Email me at caamagazine@caasco.ca
Kristina Urquhart
Editor, CAA Magazine
CAA Club Group of Companies
