The roads are particularly unforgiving during the shoulder seasons—as we head into winter and when, thank God, spring is returning. This year seems even worse with winter having a tough time trying to take hold.
But whether it looks like it or not, winter is here. You might have a good road under you now but around the next corner there might be a stretch of road that doesn’t get the same amount of sunlight. After all, rain is water and under the right conditions water turns to ice.
In order to be safe on the roads at this time of year you must adjust to the new reality.
You should have winter tires on your vehicle and, just as important, you must drive according to the road conditions; not the road conditions that you just came through, the road conditions that are in front of you.
Check out the road and weather conditions online before you head out by going to DriveBC.
Get your vehicle ready for winter before it hits.
Change your wiper blades.
Learn and practice winter driving techniques before you need them.
Avoid using overdrive and cruise control on slippery roads.
Travel with a fully charged cell phone for emergency situations
If you come up behind a sand truck back off and let them do their job. A plow truck driver has a busy life in the cab of that truck and they don’t need a vehicle causing them another distraction.
Leave early—and if you don’t leave early please don’t try to make up time. Better to arrive five or 10 minutes late than not at all.