January 17, 2025
Temperatures warm enough to melt ice in the morning, freezing rain a few hours later a snow storm blizzard in the afternoon and a sharp sub-zero mercury drop at supper time ... all part of typical winter day, like January 16, in northern Alberta. Drive safely.
When road conditions in northeastern Alberta turn bad ... really bad, the most important tip an expert driving instructor can give is the simplest one – don't drive.
Glenn Onciul runs the Portage College Driver Training programs - part of the Continuing Education Courses offered at Portage College campus locations across the region.
"Properly trained, skilled drivers can handle almost any situation – but common sense will help even the best-trained driver to avoid tough situations completely," Onciul said. "If driving becomes a risk to yourself and others on the road – whether you are driving a car, a bus or a big rig – then stay off the road."
The Driver Training Programs at Portage College offer instruction for Class 1, 3 and 5 drivers – including Air Brake Q Endorsement, Class 1 Mandatory Entrance Level Training (MELT), and a defensive driving course. The programs are available for all levels of drivers, from beginners behind the wheel to professional drivers looking to improve their skills.
"If you absolutely have to be out on the roads when the conditions worsen, at least you'll have the proper training," says Onciul.
For those unable to keep off the roads during poor driving conditions, there can be a cost.
Andre Van Brabant, from VB Insurance in St. Paul, says anytime there are weather events, there can be a spike in insurance claims.
“Unfortunately, people still have to drive. So we do have an increase in claims,” he said, adding that there is also good news on the topic of insurance when it comes to training courses like those offered through Portage College. “For newly licensed drivers who take driver’s training, it will reduce their premium.”
Portage College Alumni are eligible for preferred rates on car and home insurance through TD Insurance. Visit the Portage College Alumni webpage for details.
Driving programs offered at Portage College are held throughout the year – rain or shine, sleet or snow … or whatever the next five minutes of Alberta weather offers.
More details on the program can be found at the Portage College Continuing Education webpages.
For more information about these courses, upcoming course schedules and to register, contact Continuing Education in Lac La Biche toll free at 1-888-745-0719, or email Continuing Education.
Media Contact
Corporate Communications Department
Portage College
Phone: 780-623-6671
Email: pr@portagecollege.ca
We acknowledge that Portage College’s service region is on the traditional lands of First Nation Peoples, the owners of Treaty 6, 8 and 10, which are also homelands to the Métis people. We honour the history and culture of all people who first lived and gathered in these lands.