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Safety tips offered for driving on resource roads

The B.C. Forest Safety Council is urging caution as resource roads are expect to get busier with the start of hunting season.
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The B.C. Forest Safety Council is urging caution as resource roads are expect to get busier with the start of hunting season.

It offered the following tips for those who don't use the roads on a regular basis:

- Expect to see logging, mining and other trucks. A loading log truck can weigh 10 times more than a regular pickup truck, has limited maneuverability, and can take up to 100 metres to stop.

"Down" or "loaded" traffic has the right of way. It is good practice to yield to all industrial vehicles. Pull into a designated pullout when possible or as far over to the right, stop, and give them enough space to pass.

- Two-way radios are recommended for safe travel on resource roads. If you do not own a radio, one can be rented at radio communication shops in many small and large centers.

Designated radio channels are posted at the beginning of all resource roads. Note that in 2016 resource road radio channels throughout B.C. changed to RR channels. If you have a radio, it may need to be reprogrammed.

- Most resource roads have speed limits posted at the beginning of the road - generally 60-80 km/h. Reduce speed depending on the road conditions, traffic flow and road maintenance crews. Always obey the posted rules of the road.

- Wait until you can see clearly; do not drive in the dust of the vehicle ahead, and if pulled over, wait for the dust to settle if a vehicle has passed you in the opposite direction.

Travel with your headlights on at all times. If you need to stop or pull over, do so at a designated pullout or a straight stretch of road with good visibility.

- Never pass a vehicle unless it pulls over and indicates that it is safe to do so. Even when indicated it is safe, pass cautiously.

- As a general rule, as kilometre markings go up, you are travelling further from town. Pack extra emergency supplies such as first aid equipment, water, food, blankets and let someone know where you are going and when you are expected back.

Hunting season began Thursday.