Fall has only just arrived, but for many British Columbians it’s time to start thinking about winter; winter tires, that is, which are legally required on many of the province’s highways as of Oct. 1.
That’s the same day Road Safety at Work launches its annual Shift into Winter safety awareness campaign. It reminds people that winter tires aren’t just for snow and ice; they also provide better traction in rain and during the cooler temperatures that are already being seen in many parts of the province, particularly at night.
“Winter tires are one of the best safety features on any vehicle at this time of year,” says Trace Acres, program director of Road Safety at Work, a WorkSafeBC-funded Injury Reduction Initiative. “Putting them on now, before poor weather really hits, can help keep drivers and their passengers safe.”
Fall road and weather conditions around the Thompson-Nicola region can change quickly, and increase the risk of crashing. Wet, slippery roads can challenge even the most experienced drivers, but winter tires can help reduce the risk whether you drive for pleasure or for work.
In order to be legal, they need to have at least 3.5 mm of tread. Tires displaying the three-peaked mountain/snowflake symbol provide better traction and stopping distances when temperatures drop below 7 C. Tires with the M+S (mud and snow) symbol also meet the legal requirement.
While designated highways in the Thompson-Okanagan region require winter tires or chains from Oct. 1 to March 31, the timeline extends to April 30 for select highways, such as mountain passes and rural routes in high snowfall areas.
The Shift into Winter campaign — now in its 16th year — starts in fall to remind drivers of the need to start preparing themselves and their vehicles for winter. It has been several months since drivers have had to deal with heavy rain, freezing temperatures, ice, snow, and fog, and they need to start adjusting their driving to suit the conditions.
This means more than just ensuring you have a good set of winter tires; drivers also need to adjust their mindset. “There’s a misconception that crashes are always the fault of other drivers,” says Acres. “We can get a little over-confident in our own abilities.”
Driving too fast for the conditions and distracted driving are two of the leading contributors to crashes in B.C. at this time of year. “Both are within your control as a driver,” Acres notes. “Your driving decisions can affect the lives of other people on the road.”
Drivers can help keep themselves and their passengers safe by following these tips from the Shift into Winter campaign:
- Give your vehicle a seasonal check-up. Add anti-freeze and check tire pressure. Inspect brakes, lights, and engine belts. Install winter wiper blades and winter-rated washer fluid.
- Avoid driving when conditions are poor. Before you go, check www.drivebc.ca to see what you can expect on your route.
- Slow down. Posted speed limits are set for ideal conditions. Fall and winter conditions are not ideal.
- Leave at least four seconds of distance between your vehicle and the one in front of you. Following too close can lead to rear-end crashes on slick roads where stopping can be a problem.
- Put away phones and focus on driving. Drivers are 3.6 times more likely to crash when using a phone while behind the wheel, according to ICBC.
- Keep vehicle lights on at all times. Drivers need to see and be seen.
- Pay attention to instructions in roadside work zones. Flag persons and traffic control devices help you safely travel through uneven surfaces and narrow lanes.
For more tips on fall and winter driving, visit ShiftIntoWinter.ca.
