THIS HOLIDAY SEASON
Before highway travelling this holiday season, the Ministry of Transportation recommends motorists plan a safe trip by checking the DriveBC website (www.drivebc.ca) for the latest road and weather conditions. Travellers may also call the toll-free DriveBC line (1-800-550-HWYS).
The ministry’s road and bridge maintenance contractors will be patrolling highways and plowing and sanding where needed. Motorists are advised to stay well back of a plow truck, do not pass when its lights are flashing and never pass it on the right. Plow trucks will move to the side of the road to allow travellers to pass when it is safe to do so.
Drivers should make sure their vehicles are ready for winter driving. Most important is a good set of winter tires. Motorists should plan more travel time for trips, slow down and allow more following distance between vehicles. For long distance travel, drivers are encouraged to pack an emergency kit including blanket, flashlight, emergency rations, and warm clothing and footwear. Other winter tips include:
- Carry chains suitable for your vehicle and practice installing them
- Fill your gas tank to avoid gas line freeze-up
- Replace worn windshield wiper blades and top up windshield fluids, as road spray may reduce visibility
- Do not use cruise-control or overdrive
- Watch for wildlife, which may be feeding along roadsides
- Take extra care in shaded areas, bridges and intersections, which are more vulnerable to black ice
- Reduce your speed; remember that the maximum posted speed is intended for ideal road and weather conditions
The ministry has been working with other partners including ICBC, RCMP, BCAA, the BC Trucking Association, highway maintenance contractors and WorkSafeBC to help promote winter driving preparedness. Other web sites with winter driving information include:
- ICBC http://www.icbc.com
- BCAA http://www.bcaa.com
No comments:
Post a Comment
Your comment will appear after moderation before publishing,
Thank you for your comments.Any comment that could be considered slanderous or includes unacceptable language will be removed.
Thank you for participating and making your opinions known.
Note: only a member of this blog may post a comment.