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Change in seasons means change in driving conditions

B.C. Highway Patrol offers tips for safe driving during inclement weather
driving conditions weather

With the change in seasons, daylight hours are getting shorter and the weather is getting more inclement.

On that note, the B.C. Highway Patrol is reminding motorists of a few things they can do to arrive safely at their destinations:

- Replace windshield wipers to improve visibility and clear all windows of fog/ice and snow before driving;

- Clean your vehicle’s windows in and out, use air conditioning at a comfortable temperature so windows don’t fog up, and consider applying products to the exterior glass that repels water to improve visibility;

- Check your tires to ensure they are in good condition, have sufficient tread depth and are properly inflated. Winter tread (including M&S tires) are required in B.C. between October 1st and April 30th (For select highways not located through mountain passes and/or high snowfall areas, tire and chain requirements end March 31);

- Turn your headlights to the ON position - this ensures your tail lights come on as well so you can be seen from behind. Make sure all your lights, signals and brake lights are fully functional;

- Do not use cruise control on wet/snowy/slippery road surfaces;

- Increase the distance between you and vehicles ahead to give yourself more time to stop, especially if it is raining, snowing, slippery, foggy or night time;

- Slow down especially if it is raining, snowing or foggy or any other time your visibility is limited. Posted speed limits assume ideal driving conditions;

- Be extra vigilant for cyclists and pedestrians who may be unpredictable and not clearly visible;

- Watch out for black ice as temperatures drop to freezing; and

- Give yourself extra time to get to your destination.

On average, 36 people are killed every year in B.C. in collisions where vehicles were being driven too fast for the road conditions.

"As winter approaches and driving becomes more challenging, we want people to be aware of things they can do to stay safe during their travels," said BCHP Chief Superintendent Holly Turton. "Ultimately, we want to minimize collisions, injuries and fatalities on our roadways in our ongoing effort to make our highways safer together."

Motorists can expect to see an increased police presence on highways throughout the province and may experience short delays. Police are asking motorists to drive safely, and obey the directions of officers at any check-stop.