Time to change our driving habits: October is ‘Drive Relative to Conditions’ month

With autumn now here and winter not that far off, traffic service officers with the RCMP are reminding drivers to be prepared for the changing driving conditions.

October is Drive Relative to Conditions month in B.C. and police will be out in force throughout the province stopping drivers and checking vehicles to ensure motorists are safe and vehicles are properly equipped to meet winter driving conditions.

According to ICBC statistics, an average of 38 people die every year in B.C. in collisions where vehicles were being driven too fast for the road conditions.

As the daylight hours get shorter and the weather becomes more inclement, police are reminding motorists of a few things they can do to arrive safely at their destinations:

• 1. Replace windshield wipers to improve visibility and clear all windows of fog/ice and snow before driving;
• 2. Clean your vehicle’s windows in and out, use air conditioning at a comfortable temperature so windows don’t fog up, and consider applying products to the exterior glass that repels water to improve visibility;
• 3. Check your tires to ensure they are in good condition, have sufficient tread depth and are properly inflated. Winter tread (including M&S tires) are required in BC between October 1st and April 30th (For select highways not located through mountain passes and/or high snowfall areas, tire and chain requirements end March 31);
• 4. Turn your headlights to the “ON” position – this ensures your tail lights come on as well so you can be seen from behind. Make sure all your lights, signals and brake lights are fully functional;
• 5. Do not use cruise control on wet/snowy/slippery road surfaces;
• 6. Increase the distance between you and vehicles ahead to give yourself more time to stop, especially if it is raining/snowing/slippery/foggy/night time;
• 7. Slow down especially if it is raining/snowing/foggy or any other time your visibility is limited. Posted speed limits assume ideal driving conditions;
• 8. Be extra vigilant for cyclists and pedestrians who may be unpredictable and not clearly visible;
• 9. Watch out for “black ice” as temperatures drop to freezing; and
• 10. Give yourself extra time to get to your destination.

“As winter approaches and driving becomes more challenging, we want people to be aware of things they can do to stay safe during their travels,” said Supt. Holly Turton, Officer in Charge of BC RCMP Traffic Services. “Ultimately, we want to minimize collisions, injuries and fatalities on our roadways in our ongoing effort to make our roadways safer for all road users.”

Motorists can expect to see an increased police presence on highways during this enhanced enforcement campaign and may experience short delays.