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Province urges drivers to BԪַShift Into WinterBԪַ

Transportation minister Claire Trevena warns drivers to have winter tires, reduce speeds in icy and snowy conditions
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Minister of Transportation and Infrastructure Claire Trevena urges drivers to prioritize road safety Wednesday with the BԪַShift Into WinterBԪַ campaign. (Kristyn Anthony/BԪַ staff)

ItBԪַs time to .

That was the message from transportation Minister Claire Trevena Wednesday as she was joined by representatives from the Victoria Police Department, WorkSafeBC and Kal Tire to urge drivers across the province to prioritize road safety as heavy rain and snow begins to fall across the province.

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BԪַDrivers need to have winter tires if they plan to travel on most of our highways,BԪַ said Trevena, who also stressed adjusting speeds when travelling on roads with snow or ice.

Winter tire regulation went into effect Oct. 1 and will be in effect an extra month, until April 30 on mountain passes and rural highways BԪַto account for early spring snow storms in the southern Interior and the north.BԪַ

Not all drivers are required to outfit their vehicles with winter tires, just those travelling on designated routes including the Malahat section of the Trans-Canada Highway.

Three kinds of tires meet the requirements BԪַ all-season, all-weather and winter BԪַ but they must also have the mountain/snowflake logo or the M+S symbol with a minimum 3.5 millimetre tread depth.

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BԪַItBԪַs important for people on the south coast who drive on the Malahat or drive on the Sea to Sky to remember that winter tire regulations apply to them to,BԪַ Trevena stressed. BԪַWe get snow fall in the winter, too.BԪַ

Deputy Chief Jason Laidman of the VicPD said safe drivers ensure they are sober, not distracted, and make informed decisions to stay off roads in dangerous conditions. BԪַAs drivers we have control over how safe we are and how safe our vehicles are,BԪַ he said.

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On average, the number of fatal crashes each year in B.C. doubles in December (246 crashes) compared to October (123 crashes).

Trevena suggested drivers use the DriveBC website to check road conditions, check highway cams or receive updates on delays.

BԪַHighway safety is a shared responsibility,BԪַ she said.


@kristyn_anthony
kristyn.anthony@blackpress.ca

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