On the mountain passes of B.C. highways, weather conditions can change quickly, so it is important to be prepared and drive cautiously.
Winter driving brings additional hazards, and December is the most dangerous month of the year for crashes, according to ICBC statistics.
Protect yourself by following these tips for provided tips winter road safety:
• Don't go — If conditions are bad, postpone your trip if possible.Stay off the road if the weather has worsened.
• Plan your trip — If snow or freezing temperatures are in the forecast, check DriveBC before setting out to know what to expect. If you must travel, check road and weather conditions and select the safest route. Give yourself extra time to get to your destination to avoid rushing, and have an emergency kit in your vehicle if you get stuck.
• Prepare your vehicle — From Oct. 1 to April 30, winter tires are mandatory in B.C. Make sure all four tires are in good condition, and be sure to give your vehicle maintenance check-up.
• Drive to the conditions — Even the most confident and seasoned drivers are at risk in hazardous winter road conditions. Slow down and maintain a safe following distance, at least four seconds, between you and the vehicle ahead. Remember, it takes longer to stop when roads are icy and wet.
• Stay visible - It is difficult to see other vehicles on dark, foggy days. Slow down when there is limited visibility. And remember, turn your vehicle’s lights all the way on. Daytime running lights are dimmer than headlights. Tail lights do not turn on with daytime running lights, but they are vital for being seen from behind. The visual cue of the interior dash lights does not always mean your exterior lights are on.
In addition, Yellowhead Road and Bridge (YRB), West Kootenay highway maintenance and snow plowing provider, is asking drivers to report condition issues directly and immediately.
Rather than turning to social media first, reporting issues to YRB directly can expedite solutions and improve road safety.
If a roadway in the Central Kootenay region is in need of maintenance, call 1-888-352-0356 to report a problem. For the Kootenay-Boundary region, call 1-888-630-1420. These emergency phone lines are monitored 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
Reports can also be made online by filling out a form at yrb.ca.
For tips on how to build an emergency kit, go to icbc.com/road-safety/safety-and-road-conditions/preparing-emergency-kit.
For up to date roadway conditions, visit DriveBC.ca to view the forecast and live webcams.
