Speed plus ice equals accident.  In a large city such as Edmonton, this equation generally results in less tragic fender-benders than out on mountain roads around Jasper.

This past weekend’s fatal accident on Highway 16 near Moose Lake is unfortunately a perfect example of how road conditions and speed are more important variables to be cognizant of when traversing rural or mountain roads than city roads.  

The faux-invincibility of an SUV armed with winter tires does not need to result in driving faster than you would driving a compact car with all-season tires.  After spending eight-plus hours sitting still, the highway opened and nobody was passing, except for large SUVs and pickup trucks.  You would think that the two fatalities that caused the highway closure may have induced some more responsible driving. 

The long stay on a closed highway this past weekend also raises the issue of preparedness.  By around 8 p.m., drivers were turning off their cars hoping to conserve fuel.  Even if you’re just traveling from Jasper to Hinton or Valemount, always top up your tank of gas before heading out on the road.  As the sun sets and the temperature drops, you’ll be happy to be able to keep your heat cranked, especially if you have young children.

Drive according to road conditions, not the conditions you think your car is equipped to handle.

The will of the weather

The bodies of seven snowmobilers from Sparwood, BC, have been recovered after they were trapped in two avalanches Monday. One additional man is still missing in the Fernie area.

Enjoying winter recreation seems harmless at best, but the consequences can be dire. Unfortunately, it seems no amount of preparation can save a person from a force as great as an avalanche. Tuesday, news media reported that friends said the missing men were prepared with shovels, probes and transmitters.

Just as local mountain guide, Peter Amann, said in an article in the Dec. 25 issue, avalanches don’t know who’s an expert. “Just when you think you know what you’re doing, you’re going to get caught,” he said.

Kudos to Amann and Rupert Wedgwood, Jasper guides who volunteered their time to offer a avalanche safety skills afternoon to the community on Dec. 20. Clearly, recreationists can never be too prepared, and should take training seriously.

Our thoughts are with the families and friends of those eight men, whose lives were lost at what should be such a joyous time of year.