Tips for Smart Winter Driving
British Columbia is famous for its crazy winter weather—one minute the road is clear, and the next it’s a foggy, snowy mess. And with this winter expected to be the coldest in 20 years, drivers need to be more careful than ever.
ICBC recommends the use of winter tires in snowy conditions, especially if you live in an area that receives a lot of snow. In 2008, the number of crashes on BC roads jumped from 23,000 in November to 32,000 in December as record-breaking snowfall hit much of the province!
Are winter tires mandatory in British Columbia?
In general, no. But the Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure can make it mandatory for drivers to use winter tires or carry chains on certain roads. These roads, usually in northern BC and the southern interior, are marked with special regulatory signs and are enforced by the police, ministry or other enforcement officials. If you’re caught driving without winter tires or chains, you may be ticketed by police and forced to turn back.
Do winter tires affect my auto insurance coverage?
No. Driving without winter tires won’t affect your insurance coverage or your ability to make a claim, but if you get into an accident, it may be a determining factor in deciding whether you’re at fault, and how much. It’s all a part of ensuring your vehicle is properly equipped for the road conditions, just like checking your wipers before driving in the rain and checking your headlights before driving at night.
But remember, winter tires alone are not enough to keep you safe this winter. Drivers need to make smart driving decisions and adjust their driving to the road conditions at hand.
- Check your tire pressure frequently—cold weather deflates tires
- Top up all fluids to avoid freezing
- Carry a safety kit in your vehicle with a first aid kit, blanket, shovel, candles, matches and energy bars
- Tell a friend or family member where you’re going and what time you plan to arrive
- Be extra cautious when driving through intersections, where 40% of all police-attended crashes occur
- If your vehicle is skidding, reduce brake pressure and pump the brakes gently.
- If your vehicle is skidding around a corner, don’t brake! Reduce power and speed and steer in the direction you want to go
