Sea to Sky residents are reminded to keep their winter tires on despite warmer weather coming later this week.
Winter tires or chains are legally required on Highway 99 through March 31st.
It may feel like Spring is around the corner, but how long we need to keep our winter tires on is based on safety.
The forecast this week calls for nighttime temperatures to drop below 7 C, and winter tires provide better traction and performance when temperatures drop below 7 C, as well as on wet, snowy, and icy roads.
“The difference in traction can be the difference between you reaching your destination safely or you and your passengers being in a serious crash,” said Trace Acres, spokesperson for Shift Into Winter, in a news release.
Tires must also be kept properly inflated. Cold weather causes tires to deflate faster, affecting braking distance, steering, and handling. Shift into Winter recommends checking air pressure at least every month.
Highways requiring winter tires or chains are marked with signs and listed online and at DriveBC.ca.
Some BC roads do not require winter tires, but they are still recommended when temperatures regularly drop below 7 C.
Safe driving tips from Shift into Winter :
- Know before you go. Check DriveBC.ca for updated road and weather conditions
- Avoid driving when road and weather conditions are poor, if possible
- Prepare yourself by knowing how to drive for the conditions before you get behind the wheel
Tips for work drivers:
- Follow your organization’s safe winter driving procedures
- Report any unsafe conditions to your supervisor
- Carry chains and know when and how to use them if you drive a commercial vehicle
Shift into Winter is a joint provincial initiative supported by the Winter Driving Safety Alliance and managed by Road Safety at Work. For more information visit ShiftIntoWinter.ca.
