The weather reports are calling for wind, rain and possibly snow flurries on local roads in the next day or two. Police are insistent that people be ready for it, with the proper driving tools and mindset.
"You should absolutely have your winter tires on by now, you should have good wipers on your vehicle, you should have good headlights and taillights, now, especially with the upcoming time change setting the clock back an hour and affecting the visibility," said RCMP Staff Sgt. Pat McTiernan, commander of the provincial traffic unit covering all highways between Burns Lake and the Alberta border, and from Hixon to the Pine Pass.
This whole region is bracing for winter driving conditions to arrive with a downpour possibly as soon as today.
As a result of the coming weather, a provincial campaign is underway focused on people driving too fast for road conditions.
"We started that today," said McTiernan on Tuesday afternoon.
"The speed limit is designed for optimum conditions. Any variation in the weather or the light of day means you have to slow down from that. Driving at the posted limit during adverse conditions can mean we charge you with speeding for the conditions. Drivers in those situations will be dealt with by our members. You simply must adjust to what's happening on the road from moment to
moment."
This time of year can produce frost patches in shadowed areas of the road, it can frost over windows that must be completely cleared off before driving, and it can amplify the risk of going off the road without any chance of rescue for prolonged periods of time.
McTiernan said it was every driver's responsibility to take advance action to prevent these situations from happening.
Basic tips for
winter driving
Get your car winter ready with a maintenance check up. Preventative maintenance is key. Make sure your battery, brakes, lights and fuses, cooling and heating systems, electrical and exhaust systems, and belts and hoses are in tip-top shape.
Consider these safety concepts:
Leave lots of time so you're not rushing to get to where you need to be.
Drop your speed to match road conditions.
Maintain a safe following distance. It takes longer to stop on a slippery road.
Watch for black ice. Slow down when approaching shaded areas, bridges and overpasses.
Accelerate and brake slowly, and avoid sudden driving moves.
Know how to handle a skid (practice before you need it).
See and be seen.
Be extremely cautious when approaching highway maintenance vehicles.
Install four matched winter tires that carry the winter tire logo.
Change your wiper blades over to winter blades.
Always clear snow, slush and frost fully off of windows, mirrors, hood and roof.
Keep fuel topped up.
Constantly monitor fuel.
Keep cell phone batteries charged.
Let someone know your route in advance.
Respect road closure signs and barriers.
If you get stuck or stranded, don't panic. Stay with your vehicle for safety and warmth.
Before starting your trip, check the current road conditions and weather forecast for the areas you will be travelling (www.drivebc.ca).
Road safety kit
Non-perishable food (granola bars, trail mix, etc.).
Blankets
First aid supplies.
Windshield scraper and snow brush.
Extra windshield washer fluid.
Fuel line antifreeze.
Flares.
Matches or lighter.
Candles.
Tire chains and gloves.
Shovel.
Traction mat, sand or
kitty litter.
Flashlight and extra batteries.
Battery jumper cables.
Spare tire, wheel wrench and jack.
Extra clothing and footwear.
Sandbags for extra weight.
Knife.
Tow rope or pulling chain.
Empty can for water.
-- Peebles,
Citizen staff
