Southern Interior drivers need to adjust to challenging conditions
By Nelson Daily Staff
Don’t kid yourself, winter is definitely coming.
According to ICBC (Insurance Corporation of BC) stats, in the Southern Interior, speed-related crashes that result in injury or fatality increase by over 90 per cent between November and January – totalling over 80 crashes each of these months.
“With worsening weather across our province, it’s important to adjust your driving for the road conditions you encounter,” said Lindsay Matthews, ICBC’s director responsible for road safety.
“In poor weather, slow down, increase your following distance and allow extra travel time. Watch for pedestrians and cyclists who are harder to see at this time of year.”
ICBC said driving too fast for the road conditions is a factor in most speed related crashes,” said in the ICBC media release.
That’s why ICBC and police are appealing to Southern Interior drivers to adjust their driving for the road conditions they encounter. In poor weather, slow down, increase your following distance and allow extra travel time.
Throughout November, police across B.C. will be looking for drivers travelling at unsafe speeds.
Top 5 tips for Southern Interior drivers:
- Ice and snow can hit unexpectedly so make sure your tires are rated for the conditions you’ll be driving in this winter. Check your tire pressure regularly – pressure drops in cold weather and overinflated tires can reduce gripping.
- When severe winter conditions arrive, consider alternatives – take public transit if possible, carpool with a confident driver whose vehicle is equipped for the conditions, take a taxi, work from home or wait until the road crews have cleared major roads. Sometimes the best option is to leave the car at home.
- Consider using your headlights whenever weather is poor and visibility is reduced – not only at night – to help you see ahead and be seen by other drivers.
- Clear off any snow that’s built up on your vehicle’s headlights and wheel wells before driving; it can affect your ability to see and steer.
- In poor weather, use extreme caution when approaching highway maintenance vehicles on the road and never pass on the right. Be patient and maintain a safe following distance – these vehicles throw up snow and spray which can make it difficult to see.
