Winter tires still required in Okanagan despite warming weather

Though spring weather is in the forecast, winter tires are still required on Okanagan highways.

The advocacy group Road Safety at Work reminds motorists that B.C. law requires winter tires or chains on many highways, including in the Okanagan, through March 31.

Highways that go through mountain passes or high snowfall areas have winter tire requirements until April 30.

“It’s about safety, not the season,” Trace Acres, program director for Road Safety at Work and spokesperson for its Shift into Winter awareness campaign, explained.

“Rain and cold nights are going to be with us for a while yet. Winter tires give you better traction and braking on wet roads when temperatures drop below 7C.”

The softer rubber compound used in winter tires remains flexible in cold weather, allowing for better grip and handling.

“Whether you’re driving for pleasure or for work, you want the best traction possible to help reduce the risk of crashing and seriously injuring yourself or your passengers,” Acres said.

Road Safety at Work reminds drivers to also take precaution when traveling on area highways by checking road and weather conditions at DriveBC before getting behind the wheel, reduce speed and allow for additional space in poor conditions, watch and slow down when approaching pooling water, keep windshield washer fluid topped up, and check tire pressure on a vehicle.