ICBC survey: 93% of Southern Interior drivers polled using winter tires this season

BRITISH COLUMBIA — In a news release from ICBC it looks like most Southern Interior drivers have done their due diligence in using winter tires during this snowy season.

A new ICBC survey shows that 93% of respondents in the Thompson-Okanagan and Kootenay regions have prepared their vehicle for winter driving conditions this season by installing winter tires.

Over one-third (38%) of all survey respondents in B.C. witnessed a crash resulting from winter conditions last winter and 21% had a near miss or close call while driving.

ICBC is reminding drivers to stay vigilant out there as January sees the statistics skyrocket for vehicle incidents due to poor weather conditions.

Crashes due to drivers going too fast for the conditions increase by 145% in January in the Southern Interior compared to October.

ICBC also offered tips for driving in winter conditions.

Making sure your vehicle is prepared for winter including winter tires for driving in snow and ice. Ensuring your headlights and taillights are in good working order is also a must.

Drivers are urged to pack an emergency kit in case you get stuck or stranded. With temperatures dropping well below minus 30 lately this becomes even more critical.

Clearing 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 is also vital. Knocking snow onto cars behind you is not only lazy but dangerous.

The key to driving in snowy and icy conditions is to drive slow and steady, avoiding any unexpected sudden movements that could cause you to skid or lose control.

Leaving extra room in case the vehicle slides is another great key. Sometimes braking distance changes as seen all over social media with sliding vehicles from Vancouver to Kamloops. Winter tires do not always mean a vehicle will never slide.

When heavy winter conditions hit, consider alternatives to driving if possible. Maybe it’s time to avoid that busy intersection and go with the traffic light led areas where there is less chance of accidents during icy conditions.

take public transit, arrange a taxi or ride-hailing service if you’re not comfortable driving, work from home if you’re able to or wait until the road crews have cleared the major roads.