Spring is here, but winter tires still required on highways

Though the temperatures have been rising and the sun has been shining, highway conditions remain risky on B.C. Highways.

The Road Safety at Work advocacy group, which runs the Shift Into Winter campaign reminds North Okanagan and area residents that, though it is officially spring, driving on designated highways still requires the use of snow tires and chains until March 31.

B.C. highways located through mountain passes and/or high snowfall areas still require winter tire or chain uses through April 30.

“As spring arrives, we naturally start to think about how much longer we need to use winter tires. The answer is based on safety, not the season,” Trace Acres, spokesperson for the Shift into Winter campaign, said.

The group noted winter tires provide better traction and stopping performance than all seasons or summer tires when temperatures are below 7 C and when the roads are wet, snowy or icy.

“The difference in traction can be the difference between you reaching your destination safely or you and your passengers being in a serious crash,” Acres said.

Motorists are also advised to drive slower in slippery conditions and to ensure tires are properly inflated as air pressure decreases in cold weather which can affect braking distance, steering and handling.

“We need to be thinking how to get to our destination safely instead of getting there quickly,” Acres added. “You can never be sure how your vehicle or other drivers will react in wet or icy conditions.”

“While we look forward to spring, it’s important to remain prepared for any winter conditions that may still come our way,” Rob Fleming, Minister of Transportation and Infrastructure, said.

“Winter tires are key to keeping people safe on our highways, and they should remain in use where required or when conditions warrant.”

Drivers are also advised to check weather forecasts and road conditions at DriveBC prior to getting behind the wheel.