The campaign is reminding Sea to Sky Corridor residents that even as spring-like conditions emerge.
Winter tires or chains are required on most B.C. routes from Oct. 1 to April 30. This includes Highway 99.
“Winter tires provide better traction and stopping performance below 7C and on wet, snowy, and icy roads,” said Louise Yako, a spokesperson for the campaign, in a news release. “Traction may be the difference between safely driving on roads and being involved in a serious crash.”
Other highways that need winter tires during these dates include:
- All highways in the north
- All highways in the Interior
- Some highways on the south coast, including Highway 1 through Fraser Canyon
- Some highways on Vancouver Island, including the Malahat and Highways 4, 14, 28, 18 and northern sections of 19
Some highways that are not through mountain passes or heavy snowfall areas will have the winter tire and chains requirement end on March 31.
“During the winter months, it’s especially important that we all do our part by planning ahead, driving to the weather and road conditions and making sure our vehicles are sufficiently equipped with the necessary emergency items. Let’s ensure we all get to where we need to go this winter by being patient and prepared,” said Minister of Transportation and Infrastructure, Rob Fleming, in the release.
Tips from the campaign include:
- Check road conditions before travel
- Avoid driving when weather conditions are poor, if possible
- Use four matched winter tires and keep an emergency kit in the vehicle
- Know how to drive in the conditions before getting behind the wheel
- Follow safe work procedures when driving for work and report unsafe conditions to supervisor
- Employers train employees how to use chains and when to use them
To check the conditions of roads prior to travel, please visit . For more winter driving tips, go to .
