ICBC urges drivers to prepare for winter before crashes increase

November 21, 2019

Casualty crashes due to driving too fast for the conditions increase by a staggering 87 per cent across B.C. in December compared to October.*

As we approach winter, parts of the province are starting to see snowfall and other areas are experiencing heavy rain. ICBC is urging drivers to do their part to prevent crashes by preparing their vehicle for winter weather and adjusting their driving when challenging conditions arrive.

In bad weather, slow down, increase your following distance and allow extra travel time.

Drive smart tips:

1. Ice and snow can hit unexpectedly so make sure your tires are rated for the conditions you're driving in. Check your tire pressure regularly – pressure drops in cold weather and overinflated tires can reduce gripping.

2. Clear off any snow that's built up on your vehicle before driving including headlights, wheel wells and external sensors if you have a collision warning system.

3. Use your headlights and taillights whenever weather is poor and visibility is reduced – not only at night – to help you see ahead and be seen by other drivers. Keep in mind that daytime running lights usually don't activate your taillights.

4. When severe winter weather hits, consider alternatives – take public transit if possible, carpool with a confident driver whose vehicle is equipped for the conditions, call a taxi or ride-hailing service, work from home or at least wait until the road crews have cleared major roads. Sometimes the best option is to leave the car at home.

5. Be aware of black ice when temperatures near freezing. If you notice ice build-up on your windshield, there's likely black ice on the road. Black ice is commonly found in shaded areas, bridges, overpasses and intersections. Slow down and increase your following distance.

6. In poor weather, use extreme caution around snow plows. Maintain a safe following distance and don't pass them – it's not safe. These vehicles may be equipped with a wing blade on either of its sides, which may not be visible due to the snow it sprays.

For detailed tips on how to drive in winter weather, visit DriveBC.ca, ShiftIntoWinter.ca or icbc.com.

Regional statistics:

• Each year in the Lower Mainland, the number of casualty crashes due to driving too fast for the conditions increases by 17 per cent in December compared to October (78 vs. 66 crashes).

• Each year on Vancouver Island, the number of casualty crashes due to driving too fast for the conditions increases by 55 per cent in December compared to October (40 vs. 25 crashes).

• Each year in the Southern Interior, the number of casualty crashes due to driving too fast for the conditions increases fourfold in December compared to October (85 vs. 20 crashes).

• Each year in the North Central region, the number of casualty crashes due to driving too fast for the conditions more than doubles in December compared to October (34 vs. 14 crashes).

*Casualty crashes are crashes where at least one person was injured or killed. Based on police data, five-year average from 2014 to 2018.