BC Highway Patrol: With a cold snap for the East Kootenays in the forecast and fresh snow on the mountains, BC Highway Patrol is reminding drivers that it is time to shift into winter driving mode: leaving early, slowing down, and driving to the road and weather conditions are key to arriving at your destination safely.
“We want to remind drivers it is especially important to remember to slow down and give yourself extra time to get to your destination, especially if you are driving outside of our quickly shrinking daylight hours. Ensuring you have proper winter tires, windows free of frost and snow, and not relying on automatic headlights are all good ways you can increase your chances of avoiding collisions,” states the Media Relations Officer for BC Highway Patrol.
The Winter Driving Safety Alliance and ICBC also have some reminders for drivers and pedestrians at this time of year:
• The weather can change rapidly and unpredictably.
• Daytime running lights are dimmer than headlights.
• Taillights do not turn on with your daytime running lights.
• Taillights are an important part of being seen from behind, especially in winter when days are shorter and rain, fog and grey days are common.
• The visual cue of the interior dash lights does not always mean your headlights and taillights are on.
• Make sure you have properly rated tires if you are travelling the highways.
~ RCMP, BC Highway Patrol
