With snow on the doorstep of the Peace, winter tires have been mandatory on most provincial highways since October 1.
British Columbia mandates the use of winter tires on many provincial highways starting October 1, which happens to be the same day that Road Safety at Work kicked off its annual Shift into Winter safety awareness campaign.
“Winter tires aren’t just for snow and ice. They also provide better traction in rain and the cooler temperatures we’re already seeing at night,” stated Trace Acres in a media release, program director of Road Safety at Work, a WorkSafeBC-funded Injury Reduction Initiative. “They’re one of the best safety features on any vehicle at this time of year. Putting them on now, before poor weather really hits, can help keep drivers and their passengers safe.”
In Northern B.C., fall road and weather conditions can shift rapidly, raising the likelihood of accidents. Wet and slippery roads can pose significant challenges, even for the most seasoned drivers.
Winter tires can lower the risk of accidents this season, whether you're driving for leisure or work. To be considered legal in British Columbia, tires must have a minimum tread depth of 3.5 mm. Those featuring the 3-peaked mountain/snowflake symbol offer improved traction and shorter stopping distances when temperatures fall below 7°C. Tires marked with the M+S (mud and snow) symbol also fulfill the legal requirements.
Drivers may not have encountered heavy rain, freezing temperatures, ice, snow, and fog for several months, so it’s important for them to adapt their driving habits to suit the conditions.
Even the highest quality tires can't guarantee safety alone; drivers must also shift their mindset to prioritize caution and awareness.
“There’s a misconception that crashes are always the fault of other drivers. We can get a little over-confident in our own abilities,” says Acres. Driving at excessive speeds for the conditions and being distracted are two major factors contributing to accidents in B.C. during this season. “Both are within your control as a driver,” he adds. “Your driving decisions can affect the lives of other people on the road.”
Drivers can enhance the safety of themselves and their passengers by following these tips from the Shift into Winter campaign:
· Perform a seasonal check-up on your vehicle. Ensure you add antifreeze and check the tire pressure. Examine the brakes, lights, and engine belts. Also, install winter wiper blades and use winter-rated washer fluid.
· Reduce your speed. Posted speed limits are intended for ideal conditions, which are not the case during fall and winter.
· Steer clear of driving in adverse conditions. Before heading out, check DriveBC for updates on your route and what to expect.
· Put away your phone and concentrate on driving. According to ICBC, drivers are 3.6 times more likely to be involved in a crash when using a phone while behind the wheel.
· Always keep your vehicle’s lights on. It's essential for drivers to both see and be seen.
· Maintain a minimum distance of four seconds between your vehicle and the one ahead. Tailgating can result in rear-end collisions on slippery roads, where stopping can become difficult.
For hundreds of thousands of British Columbians who drive for work, the period from November to January is the most hazardous time of the year.
According to WorkSafeBC statistics, work-related crashes that lead to injuries and time-loss claims increase by 26% during those months compared to the rest of the year.
If you drive as part of your job, you can request winter driving training from your supervisor. Employers are responsible for ensuring the safety of their employees while driving for work-related purposes.
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