Reduce Your Speed On Wet Roads

Slow Down On Wet Fall and Winter BC Roads

Recently ICBC and the police launched a public awareness campaign to remind drivers to be prepared and adjust their speed when driving on wet roads this fall and winter.

"We can all help save lives and prevent injuries by slowing down when the weather in B.C. makes driving more challenging," said Shirley Bond, Minister of Public Safety and Solicitor General. "Whether it's your daily commute or holiday travel, the reality is you need to be prepared for a variety of weather and road conditions in B.C."

 Speed Limits Are For Dry Roads

"Many drivers don't realize that when they drive too fast for the road conditions their risk of crashing increases significantly," said Fiona Temple, ICBC's road safety director. "The reality is that the posted speed limit is only for ideal or dry road conditions. You can help make our roads safer by slowing down – you'll see more of the road and be better equipped to respond to the unexpected."

"There is nothing an officer dreads more than contacting a family to tell them about the death of a loved one as a result of a crash," said Superintendent Mike Diack, RCMP E-Division Traffic Services and Vice-Chair of the Traffic Safety Committee, B.C. Association of Chiefs of Police.
"You can count on police throughout B.C. stepping up enforcement over the next few weeks to remind drivers to slow down."

Here are more tips from ICBC for fall and winter driving:

• When driving on wet roads increase your following distance to four seconds.
• Slow down. Remember the faster you drive, the longer it takes to stop on wet roads.
• Make sure your windshield wipers are in good working order and you have sufficient windshield wiper fluid.
• Check that your tires are inflated at the correct pressure and appropriately rated for the weather conditions.