The arrival of a significant storm to British Columbia is a reminder to drivers that weather conditions can change quickly at this time of year, and to be prepared for the onset of winter road conditions.
If snow or freezing temperatures are in the forecast, people should check DriveBC before setting out, so they know what road conditions they will face. Drivers should stay off the road should conditions worsen and ensure their vehicle is properly equipped with snow tires should they need to travel.
Drivers can help maintenance crews by moving over safely when they see a vehicle with an amber light approaching. This will allow crews to clear snow and improve road conditions to reduce hazards for drivers and help them get to where they’re going safely.
With any winter weather event, road and bridge conditions can be unpredictable and can change quickly. The Ministry of Transportation and Transit’s contractors monitor the weather closely and will apply anti-icing brine to road surfaces when freezing temperatures are forecast.
In certain conditions, a partial or full closure of the bridges and roads may be necessary to ensure driver safety. The ministry will update people as quickly as possible about any closure via DriveBC and its social media channels, and through other methods such as signage and traffic advisories to local media.
Winter condition causing havoc on Kootenay roads
Local RCMP detachments are already responding to several motor vehicle collisions due to winter road conditions.
Including on on Highway 3B near Rossland on Saturday evening.
At 6:50 p.m. Trail and Greater District RCMP officers responded to motor vehicle incident where the occupants were travelling eastbound toward Warfield when their vehicle slipped off the road due to snowy conditions.
Neither person was injured and officers assisted the couple with recovering their vehicle and making it home safely.”
“This is a good reminder to make sure you are prepared for winter driving conditions. Plow trucks are working on our roads but please make sure you also have good winter tires and an emergency roadside kit as well. Let someone know if you are travelling over a Kootenay highway pass in inclement weather.” said Sgt. Mike Wicentowich.
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