November is 'Speed Relative To Road Conditions' Month

There have been a few days this month that have reminded motorists how quickly the weather in this province can change. As a result, roads and driving conditions can become hazardous in a matter of minutes. Rain in the Lower Mainland and Vancouver Island, and snow in the north and interior can make driving a challenge to say the least. If drivers don’t adapt quickly, bad things can happen fast.

November 1st to the 30th marks the Provincial Speed Relative to Conditions Campaign in British Columbia. Police officers across the province will be watching for those drivers who do not adjust their driving behavior to the ever changing weather and road conditions.

“It’s crucial that drivers realize they can’t drive the same way on wet or snow covered roads as they do on dry surfaces. You must reduce your speed, and allow more room between you and the vehicle in front of you. More time is needed to react to or stop for an emergency situation,” says Cpl. Jamie Chung of “E” Division Traffic Services. “A lot of drivers don’t adjust their manner of driving and those are the ones we find involved in senseless, avoidable collisions. We’re hoping that this initiative will raise awareness and change the behavior of drivers in less than perfect conditions. It’s safe to drive in the snow and rain as long as you are doing it in an appropriate way. I think that’s the message we’re trying to get out there.”

The charge of Speed Relative to Conditions carries a fine of $167 and 3 driver penalty points. The officer may consider other more serious charges when appropriate.

Please click here for more information on “unsafe speed” from ICBC.

Drivers are reminded to:

• Plan well in advance of a trip. Check travel and weather conditions on local and provincial TV, radio, and internet.
• Be realistic about travel times, especially in bad weather.
• Slow down and keep your distance, particularly while driving in rain, fog, snow or on icy roadways.
• Do not use cruise control in wet or slippery conditions. An activated cruise control in wet conditions gives you less control of being able to stop your vehicle.
• Remember that roads are the slickest when it first starts to rain.
• In snow and ice conditions, if you begin to lose control, don’t slam on your brakes. Simply ease off on the accelerator, then gently apply brake pressure and steer in the direction you want to go.
• Make sure your tires have good tire tread and are inflated correctly, including your spare tire. If you live in an area that regularly receives snow or are required to drive in areas with winter conditions, then your vehicle should be outfitted with a complete set of winter tires.