Expect the unexpected, don’t get complacent, and watch out for other drivers as well as black ice when temperatures dip below zero and roads become slick.
That’s the advice from Trace Acres, program director for Road Safety at Work. A Kelowna resident, Acres knows what freezing temperatures mean for roads in the Thompson-Okanagan and Southern Interior regions, and how important it is for drivers to be doubly cautious when hitting the road.
“When the roads are icy you not only have to watch yourself, you have to watch for others sliding into your path,” he advises.
“The best advice is to postpone your trip if possible. If you have to drive, you need to anticipate hazards that could put you and your passengers at risk, and be prepared to react quickly.”
Safe driving at this time of year starts with that mindset, he adds. No matter how much driving experience someone has, or what they’re driving, they need to remind themselves that road conditions, weather, and the behaviour of other drivers may be unpredictable.
Before heading out, check road, weather, and traffic conditions at www.drivebc.ca, where you can also get real-time pictures of the road from the province’s 503 highway cams. There are also Facebook pages dedicated to road conditions on many of B.C.’s highways, where people who have recently travelled them provide updates on what to expect.
“It’s always better to know what you’re up against,” says Acres. Preparation and caution are key to avoiding crashes, as is assuming that other drivers are not as prepared and cautious as you are.
One of the biggest hazards for drivers in freezing weather is black ice. It often forms on shaded roads or under bridges and overpasses, where moisture freezes faster. Black ice is a thin, transparent layer that blends into the road, and while spotting it can be difficult, there are some clues to watch out for. If you see shiny, dark patches on the road, or there is ice buildup on your windshield, black ice may be present.
Drivers also need to remember that speed limits are set for ideal conditions. "In winter, those conditions don’t exist,” Acres says. “Always drive below the posted speed limit, and stay at least four seconds behind the vehicle in front of you.”
If your vehicle starts to skid on ice, try to stay calm. Ease off the accelerator and steer gently in the direction you want to go. Harsh braking or sudden turns can worsen the skid, making it harder to regain control of the vehicle. Smooth and steady steering is the key to recovering from a skid.
Intersections and hills are especially hazardous when roads are icy, leading to vehicles skidding through red lights or stop signs at intersections. “Drivers can misjudge the distance needed to stop, leading to rear-end collisions or sliding into cross traffic,” Acres says.
Approach intersections slowly and brake early. Always check that cross streets are clear before proceeding, as other drivers may also struggle to stop in icy conditions.
If you can’t avoid a hill, pick a path that provides the most traction. Unpacked snow or powder provide a better grip. Watch the cars ahead of you to see where they’re spinning their wheels or sliding, and avoid those spots.
Be sure to give yourself plenty of time for your trip: rushing when it’s icy increases your risk of being injured in a crash. “It’s better to arrive late than not at all," Acres says.
Road Safety at Work offers more tips through its Winter Driving Safety campaign at ShiftIntoWinter.ca.
