Winter weather conditions can make road trips stressful but planning your route with up-to-date road information will go a long way toward saving you time, trouble, and reducing stress.
Driving on winter roads in British Columbia can be challenging even for experienced drivers. Link here for a very useful brochure (PDF) "Winter Safety — Tire Chains and Winter Tires."
For information on the latest road conditions please visit Drive BC.
The Ministry of Transportation and Highways suggests the following guidelines for a winter of safe driving:
- Winterize your vehicle. Here's how.
- Drive with headlights on.
- When driving on ice or snow, allow plenty of room to stop and start.
- Maintain a safe distance between your vehicle and others.
- Do not use cruise control on slick highways. Here's why.
- Check weather and road conditions along your route before travelling.
- Keep your gas tank full to prevent the gas line from freezing and to maximize traction on slick roads.
- Stay on well travelled roads if possible. BC road map.
- Be sure all windows, lights, mirrors and licence plates are free of snow.
- Keep some emergency items in your car at all times, including an ice scraper/snow brush, first aid kit, jumper cables, a flashlight and a warm blanket.
- If you have a cell phone, bring it. If you can afford to purchase chains, do so.
- Let others know about your route and your expected arrival time.
- Always wear your seat belt.
- A four-wheel drive vehicle has no more traction on ice than any other type of vehicle.
- Avoid driving in poor weather conditions whenever possible.
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So take a minute and access the latest road conditions by any one of the following methods before heading out. We're sure you'll agree - the best route is a planned route.
For more detailed information about a particular route, please contact the road and bridge maintenance contractor for that area.
Some local newspapers regularly publish general road information for their area. Check your local paper for this information.
Coquihalla Toll Plaza CBPQ FM is a low frequency station which broadcasts the latest Coquihalla and Okanagan Connector road conditions. CBPQ FM can be received within a two-mile radius of the toll plaza. Tune your car radio to 89.9 FM.
In many areas of the province, motorists are alerted to the latest road conditions by electronic overhead message signs. These signs are highly visible and are automatically updated as conditions change. Watch for them once you're on the road.
Toll-free B.C. road information is available 24 hours-a-day at 1-800-550-4997.
If you get stranded:
- Stay in your vehicle. Do not try to walk for help.
- Run a stranded car for short periods only, first ensuring snow is not blocking the tailpipe.
- Open a window slightly when the engine is running.
- Do stretching exercises to maintain blood circulation.
- Cover exposed skin to avoid frostbite.
- Melt snow to drink. Do not use alcohol, since this hastens the loss of body heat.
- During the day, tie a brightly-coloured cloth to your antenna to alert police or rescuers to your predicament. At night use your vehicle's emergency flashers.
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