A Family Guide to Staying Safe on Alberta’s Highways
Traveling through Alberta’s diverse landscapes can be a thrilling adventure, but unexpected vehicle issues can put a damper on your family road trip. Whether you’re exploring the Rocky Mountains, traversing the prairies, or heading to one of Alberta’s vibrant cities, it’s essential to be prepared for any roadside emergencies. Here’s a guide on what to do if your family needs roadside assistance while traveling around Alberta.
1. Stay Calm and Safe
The first step in any roadside situation is to ensure your family’s safety. If your vehicle breaks down, pull over to a safe location, preferably away from traffic. Turn on your hazard lights to alert other drivers. If you’re on a busy highway, it’s safer to stay inside the vehicle with your seatbelts fastened until help arrives.
2. Call for Assistance
CAA Alberta
For quick and reliable roadside assistance, consider joining the Alberta Motor Association (AMA), which is part of the Canadian Automobile Association (CAA). AMA offers a range of services, including towing, battery boosts, flat tire changes, and lockout services. Members can call for assistance 24/7 or use the AMA mobile app for easy access to help.
Join AMA for Roadside Assistance
Local Towing Services
If you’re not an AMA member, you can still find local towing and roadside assistance services. Many companies operate across Alberta and can provide emergency help. Some popular options include:
- City Wide Towing & Recovery Service: Serving Calgary and surrounding areas.
- Action Towing: Serving Edmonton and northern Alberta.
- Road Runner Towing: Available in various locations across the province.
A quick online search or a call to your insurance provider can also help you find a nearby service.
3. Use Roadside Assistance Apps
Several mobile apps can connect you with nearby roadside assistance providers. Apps like Urgent.ly offer pay-as-you-go services, meaning you don’t need a membership to get help. These apps provide real-time tracking of the service vehicle and an estimated time of arrival, which can be reassuring, especially if you’re traveling with children.
4. Prepare an Emergency Kit
Having a well-stocked emergency kit can make a big difference in a roadside situation. Your kit should include:
- A first aid kit
- Flashlights and extra batteries
- Flares or reflective triangles
- A spare tire, jack, and tire iron
- Blankets and warm clothing
- Non-perishable snacks and water
- A fully charged power bank for your phone
5. Know Your Location
If you need to call for help, knowing your exact location is crucial. Pay attention to mile markers, exit numbers, and nearby landmarks. If you’re using a GPS app like Google Maps, you can share your location directly with the roadside assistance provider.
6. Stay Informed and Connected
Keep your family informed about the situation and stay connected with updates from your roadside assistance provider. If you have children in the car, keep them calm by explaining what’s happening and reassuring them that help is on the way. It’s also a good idea to keep a list of emergency contacts handy.
7. Be Aware of Roadside Safety
While waiting for assistance, stay inside your vehicle if possible, especially if you’re on a busy highway. If you must exit the vehicle, do so on the side away from traffic and stand well clear of the road. Use reflective vests or bright clothing to increase visibility, especially in low-light conditions.
8. Follow Up with Repairs
Once you’ve received roadside assistance, ensure your vehicle is adequately repaired before continuing your journey. Many towing services can recommend nearby auto repair shops, or you can use online resources like Yelp or Google Reviews to find reputable mechanics.
Conclusion
While vehicle issues can be stressful, being prepared and knowing your options for roadside assistance can help your family stay safe and get back on the road quickly. Whether you’re a member of AMA, using a roadside assistance app, or relying on local towing services, Alberta has plenty of resources to assist you in a pinch. Enjoy your travels, and stay safe! 
