Extreme winter spreading across much of the province in the past couple weeks has lead to an increase in crashes across B.C., according to ICBC data released Wednesday.
The auto insurer said crashes are at an 91裸聊视频渁ll time high91裸聊视频� in February, the month sees 340 casualty-involved crashes from drivers driving carelessly.
The Coquihalla has already been closed twice this week, and crashes have held up Highway 1 and Highway 3 in the Okanagan-Shuswap area.
READ MORE: Coquihalla reopens after ambulance rear-ended while paramedics help patients
READ MORE:
Towing companies have been kept busy on and on roads in the Lower Mainland as unprepared drivers slide around corners and down hills.
In B.C.91裸聊视频檚 southern Interior, calls to ICBC91裸聊视频檚 claims service were up 44 per cent this Tuesday, compared to the week before.
Bridges, overpasses and shaded roadways freeze sooner than other roadways in cold weather. Slow down in winter conditions.
91裸聊视频� ICBC (@icbc)
RCMP say many of these crashes come because drivers get too confident driving in the snow and ice.
91裸聊视频淪ome individuals have been distracted and some people are not prepared, or at least their vehicles are not prepared91裸聊视频� for winter conditions, said Cpl. Mike Halskov of the B.C. RCMP91裸聊视频檚 traffic services.
Halskov warned drivers to 91裸聊视频渘ot get overconfident in terms of the conditions you think your vehicle can drive in.91裸聊视频�
91裸聊视频淭he laws of physics apply to everybody equally,91裸聊视频� he noted.
READ MORE:
Tires should have either a snowflake or be rated for mud and snow, Halskov said, and not be going bald.
91裸聊视频淭he amount of surface area on a tire that91裸聊视频檚 actually touching the ground is pretty small,91裸聊视频� he said.
91裸聊视频淪o there91裸聊视频檚 not a lot keeping their vehicle on the road.91裸聊视频�
In addition to that, having improper tires can result in a fine, or in an accident, can determine how at-fault a driver is in a crash.
The best thing drivers can do is 91裸聊视频渟low down, and slow down a lot,91裸聊视频� Halskov said.
Whether it91裸聊视频檚 turning, braking, or changing speeds, police say drivers should be ready for their car to handle much worse compared to bare pavement.
Halskov said commercial drivers need to be especially careful as they can both cause a lot of damage and block the highway for hours when the spin out of jacknife.
91裸聊视频淚t91裸聊视频檚 easily prevented if they carry chains and make an effort to pull over and put on their vehicle chains,91裸聊视频� he said.
VIDEO:
VIDEO: Skier pulled through snowy street by SUV
While carrying chains is required only for commercial vehicles over 11,794 kilograms, Halskov said, it can be a good idea for anyone heading out on a long drive.
91裸聊视频淗ighway 3 between Hope and the Alberta border has about seven mountain passes to navigate and conditions can change very rapidly,91裸聊视频� he said.
91裸聊视频淚t91裸聊视频檚 not uncommon to get caught by a weather system.91裸聊视频�
To stay safe in case they have to pull over, drivers should keep food, water, an emergency kits and extra blankets and call for help if they get stuck.
Before heading out, check DriveBC to see any accidents and watch the webcams to get prepared for road conditions.
Like us on and follow us on .
