Highway maintenance clearing snow from highways

Snow is falling on highways through much of B.C., including in the Interior, and clearing operations have begun.

Maintenance contractors working for the Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure are monitoring weather forecasts and assessing conditions through frequent patrols to identify the best ways to treat roads and protect travellers.

Meanwhile, the province advises people to take action to protect themselves when driving on snowy highways.

By law, winter tires with M+S or three-peaked mountain and snowflake symbols are required on B.C. highways until April 30.

Additionally, travelers are encouraged to carry chains and an emergency kit in their cars and to make sure vehicles are fully operational and the gas tank is full prior to hitting the road.

People are also asked to drive to conditions, check weather forecasts and visit DriveBC for road conditions prior to getting behind the wheel.

In the event of an incident, such as getting stuck or stranded, people are encouraged to stay with their vehicles for safety and warmth.

Further tips on winter driving can be found at the Shift Into Winter website.