Behind the Scenes – How CAA Roadside Heroes Keep Niagara Moving All Winter

When winter storms roll through Niagara, most of us hunker down at home — but for CAA’s roadside heroes, that’s when the real work begins.

They’re the people who answer the call when your car won’t start, when you’ve slid into a snowbank, or when your tire gives out in freezing rain. And while their job is to get you back on the road, their mission is to keep you safe while they do it.

A Day (and Night) on the Front Lines

CAA roadside technicians can respond to hundreds of calls on an average winter day. Whether it’s 6 a.m. in Welland or midnight in Niagara Falls, each dispatch could mean changing a tire on a highway shoulder, boosting a frozen battery, or towing a stranded car through snow that’s waist-deep.

It takes skill, quick thinking, and a lot of grit. Many of these calls stem from common cold-weather challenges like drained batteries and tire issues — things every driver can prepare for ahead of time.

If you haven’t already, check out our Do I Need New Tires? Tire Tread Depth Explained (and How to Check It) and Winter Car Readiness Checklist for simple steps to get your vehicle ready before the first snowfall.

The Human Side of Roadside Assistance

Every call is different, but one thing never changes — the care technicians bring to every Member. They know how stressful it is to be stranded, especially in cold weather. Most have stories of grateful drivers who waited nervously in dark parking lots or along rural roads until that familiar CAA truck came into view.

Staying Safe While Helping Others

Roadside technicians often work just inches from live traffic. That’s why Slow Down, Move Over laws are so important — and why CAA continues to advocate for awareness every year.

Learn more about how these laws protect workers and drivers alike in 'Slow Down, Move Over' Saves Lives.

Even small actions — slowing down as you pass, changing lanes early, or simply giving space — can mean the difference between a safe rescue and a close call.

Training, Tools, and Teamwork

Before winter hits, CAA’s fleet teams spend hours preparing: refresher training, equipment checks, and trucks are stocked with to keep operators safe and visible during harsh conditions.

Just as our roadside teams rely on their equipment and preparation to do their jobs safely, you should make sure you and your own car is equally prepared — Our Winter Driving Tips and Essential Items to Keep in Your Winter Emergency Car Kit list helpful reminders and everything you should have on hand in case of unexpected trouble.

And while visibility and traction are key for our operators, they matter for every driver, too. Learn why stopping distance and tire choice are critical in slippery conditions in The Science of Stopping: Why Winter Tires and Following Distance Matter.

A Message to Members

Behind every successful roadside rescue is a Member who trusted CAA to show up — and that trust means everything.

When you see flashing amber lights this winter, remember: those are your neighbours out there, working in freezing wind and snow to keep Niagara moving.

Help protect roadside workers this winter. When you see flashing lights, Slow Down and Move Over — it’s the law, and it saves lives.