How to Watch Highway Thru Hell

Great Pacific Media, a division of Thunderbird Entertainment Group (TSXV:TBRD, OTCQX:THBRF), is the unscripted production arm behind the Discovery Canada series Highway Thru Hell. Follow heavy rescue operators Jamie Davis Motor Truck & Auto, Quiring Towing, Aggressive Towing and MSA Towing as they work to keep the roads running safely in extreme conditions.

1. Get a good seat.

Getting a good seat on the highway is the key to staying in your car during an accident. The best way to get a seat that's comfortable is to adjust it for your body type. The proper seating position can reduce neck, back and shoulder strain and even lower the risk of whiplash injuries if you're in a crash.

Keeping the angle of your seat back between 90 degrees and 100 degrees can prevent strain in your spine. It's also important to keep your headrest positioned so that it sits between your ears and the top of your head, not pressed against your chest. If your car doesn't have a headrest, a cushion or lumbar pillow can help support your neck and shoulders during a collision.

In addition, your seat should allow you to reach the pedals without bending your knees, and to press them through their full range of motion with your entire foot. You should also be able to adjust the seat for your body weight so you don't have to lean forward, which can strain your neck and upper back.

Aside from avoiding injury during a crash, a good seat can make an already-challenging journey that much easier. If you're traveling by plane, a window seat can make it easier to sleep, and if you're going on a cross-country road trip, an aisle seat may be more comfortable for the drive.

But the truth is that the most dangerous situations on the highway are often caused by human error. Drivers may miss a turn, or forget to use their brakes to avoid hitting another vehicle, and they may hit a guardrail or pothole. Fortunately, these accidents are extremely rare and the Highway Thru Hell crew has an impressive record for making sure that these things don't happen.

2. Stay in your car.

When it comes to driving in bad weather, the rule of thumb is to stick to posted speed limits. But it’s the slippery conditions that can have you in a tailspin. If you can’t get out of your vehicle before you start to slide down the road, you may be out of luck before you know it.

In fact, it’s the icy roads that have inspired a few of the most memorable episodes in Highway Thru Hell, a documentary series that documents the work of Jamie Davis Motor Truck & Auto. While the series might be best known for its frosty Coquihalla highway scenes, this no-nonsense Hope company also provides a valuable service to locals and visitors alike — helping motorists out of sticky situations. From one-vehicle tows to multi-vehicle pileups, the guys at Heavy Rescue are at the forefront of a vital service to communities across B.C. Whether they’re out on the road or in their office, they take great pride in keeping BC’s most scenic highways open for traffic. If you’re lucky enough to be in the vicinity of one of these hardworking professionals, here are a few things to keep in mind while they are on duty.

3. Be prepared.

Highway Thru Hell is a reality show that captures the intense, high-stakes work of heavy recovery operators. The Canadian docuseries has become a popular hit, gaining fans and breaking viewership records.

The show has a lot of action, but it also teaches viewers important lessons about road safety. One of the things it shows is how quickly weather can change, especially when roads are built at high elevations. Knowing what to expect before you drive can help you avoid getting stuck in a storm or on a closed road.

For example, in a recent episode, a blizzard hits the Coquihalla Highway and Jamie Davis' "A" team spends a busy morning clearing spin-out semis off the road. However, the team's efforts are interrupted when a multi-vehicle pileup occurs.

When these types of crashes occur, it's vital that the drivers involved get the help they need right away. For this reason, the cast and crew of Highway Thru Hell always have a two-way pager with them. It can also help them communicate with home base, which can be difficult when they're in a remote location without any cell-phone reception.

Filming these rescues in such difficult conditions requires a lot of technical expertise. In addition to getting the right angles, it's important to use special cameras that can stay in place for a long period of time.

To do this, the Highway Thru Hell crew often attaches GoPro-cameras to vehicles to get unique perspectives of the action. This allows them to film different scenes from different angles and make sure they capture everything that's happening on the road.

But filming in winter is a huge undertaking, and it takes a lot of planning to ensure the cast has the equipment they need. For example, the crew of Highway Thru Hell has a team of camera operators that cover 12-hour shifts so that they can keep rolling even when it's chilly outside.

4. Keep your eyes on the road.

The best way to keep your cool is to avoid the temptation to get angry. Keeping your cool is the most important step in keeping yourself and other road users safe. If you can’t get your anger under control, consider asking for help. Whether it’s a therapist or a buddy, find someone you trust and ask them for some advice. They may be able to provide you with some hints and tips that you may not have thought of yourself.

It’s also a good idea to take advantage of lane markings by following the lines of traffic, or at least giving them your all if you can manage it. You’ll likely be rewarded with a more comfortable ride and a better chance of getting to your destination on time. Taking the time to read your mirrors and look out for pedestrians, cyclists and motorists will go a long way to keep you and your passengers safe. One of the smartest moves you can make is to start learning from your mistakes so that you don’t repeat them in the future.

5. Stay calm.

Between the snarls of traffic, road construction hassles and aggressive drivers, it’s no wonder that the highway is one of the most stressful places to drive. Luckily, there are some simple ways to stay calm on the highway and avoid getting frustrated with traffic jams and grumpy drivers.

Driving is a great way to exercise your mind, so it’s vital that you keep your focus on the road and not on other things. This is often difficult to do when you’re stressed, so a good first step is to try mindfulness exercises.

Mindfulness is the ability to be present in the moment, without thinking about the past or worrying about the future. Practicing these exercises regularly will help you get better at them when faced with anxiety-inducing situations.

You should also try to stay calm around other drivers who may be acting irrationally, such as cutting you off or following too close. Keeping your temper in these situations can lead to a dangerous situation that could cause an accident.

To keep your calm, you should not make eye contact with an angry driver, nor should you engage in aggressive behavior, such as swerving or making rude gestures. Instead, try to remain polite, change your speed slightly, and if needed, call the police.

You should also practice breathing and mindfulness techniques, as these can help you to stay calm during stressful situations. It can take a little bit of time to practice, but it will become second nature after some practice. You might even want to consider getting a therapist or a friend who can assist you with this.