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It’s time to Shift into Winter
The Winter Driving Safety Alliance has launched the 2018 Shift into Winter Campaign— an annual road safety initiative focused on reducing the frequency and severity of winter weather-related vehicle crashes in B.C.
It encourages drivers and workplaces to be prepared for the winter season.
As a member of the Alliance, Mainroad East Kootenay Ltd. encourages motorists and residents to shift into winter driving mode and prepare for the upcoming season. Don’t wait until snow arrives. Whether you’re driving across town, or across the province, it’s important that you and your vehicle are prepared for winter conditions.
A few simple steps could make a difference to your safety:
Know before you go.
First – do you really need to go? Check the current road and weather conditions on DriveBC.ca . Delay travel if conditions are unsafe.
Plan your route ahead of time.
Avoid any roads that may become dangerous during bad weather.
If you have to travel:
Give yourself extra time to get to your destination to avoid rushing.
Select the safest route.
Have an emergency plan so if you get stuck, you are prepared. Stay with your vehicle for safety.
Slow down.
During winter, road conditions change fast, and so should your speed. The posted speed limit is the maximum speed under ideal driving conditions, so when the snow hits, you should slow down and drive with care. Even the most experienced drivers cannot predict how their vehicle will react in snow or on ice.
Prepare your vehicle for winter weather. Install a set of four matched winter tires and keep an emergency kit in your vehicle. Every year, be sure to give your vehicle a pre-season maintenance check-up.
Know how to drive for the conditions before you get behind the wheel.
Don’t learn by accident.
Winter road conditions vary around the province and can change quickly. You should:
- Always maintain a safe following distance— at least four seconds. It takes longer to stop on a slippery road.
- Drop your speed to match road conditions. The posted speed is the maximum speed under ideal conditions.
- Learn or be trained in winter driving skills.
For more information on what you can do to stay safe when driving this winter, visit shiftintowinter.ca.
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