Challenging road conditions ahead
Colder temperatures across the region have led to compact, slippery snow on the roads – and to the Insurance Corporation of British Columbia urging drivers to do their part to prevent crashes.
In the north central region, 51 casualty crashes occur in February due to driving too fast for the conditions or road/weather conditions, according to ICBC.
The insurer is asking drivers to adjust their driving and properly equip their vehicle for the conditions.
“Winter weather in northern B.C. presents its own set of challenging road conditions for drivers – namely, black ice, heavy snowfall and freezing rain. Road conditions in northern B.C. are changing every day,” ICBC said in a statement. “In bad weather, slow down, increase your following distance and allow extra travel time.”
Here are some additional tips for a trouble-free drive:
• Focus your full attention on the road and use extra caution when approaching intersections and corners – they may be icy.
• Consider using your headlights and taillights whenever weather is poor and visibility is reduced – not only at night – to help you see ahead and be seen by other drivers. Keep in mind that daytime running lights usually don’t activate your taillights.
• Ice and snow can hit unexpectedly so make sure your tires are rated for the conditions you’ll be driving in. Check your tire pressure regularly – pressure drops in cold weather and over-inflated tires can reduce gripping.
• Clear off any snow that’s built up on your vehicle before driving including headlights, wheel wells and external sensors if you have a collision warning system.
• When severe winter weather hits, consider alternatives – carpool with a confident driver whose vehicle is equipped for the conditions, take a taxi, work from home or at least wait until the road crews have cleared major roads. Sometimes the best option is to leave the car at home.
• In poor weather, use extreme caution around snow plows. Maintain a safe following distance and don’t pass them – it’s not safe. These vehicles may be equipped with a wing blade on either of its sides which may not be visible due to the snow it sprays.