Plan a safe highway trip this holiday season

VICTORIA — Before highway travelling this holiday season, the Ministry of Transportation recommends motorists plan a safe trip by checking the DriveBC website for the latest road and weather conditions. Travellers may also call the toll-free DriveBC line (1-800-550-HWYS).

Drive BC has more than 100 highway webcams throughout the province that show current road conditions with links to Environment Canada weather forecasts for the highway to be travelled. DriveBC also provides road reports, travel advisories, road closure information, winter driving tips, toll-free phone numbers for the ministry's road maintenance contractors - which also provide local road condition information - and other important links.

The ministry's road and bridge maintenance contractors will be patrolling highways and plowing and sanding where needed. Motorists are advised to stay well back of a plow truck, do not pass when its lights are flashing and never pass it on the right. Plow trucks will move to the side of the road to allow travellers to pass when it is safe to do so.

Drivers should make sure their vehicles are ready for winter driving. Most important is a good set of winter tires. Motorists should plan more travel time for trips, slow down and allow more following distance between vehicles. For long distance travel, drivers are encouraged to pack an emergency kit including blanket, flashlight, emergency rations, and warm clothing and footwear. Other winter tips include:

• Carry chains suitable for your vehicle and practice installing them
• Fill your gas tank to avoid gas line freeze-up
• Replace worn windshield wiper blades and top up windshield fluids, as road spray may reduce visibility
• Do not use cruise-control or overdrive
• Watch for wildlife, which may be feeding along roadsides
• Take extra care in shaded areas, bridges and intersections, which are more vulnerable to black ice
• Reduce your speed; remember that the maximum posted speed is intended for ideal road and weather conditions

The ministry has been working with other partners including ICBC, RCMP, BCAA, the BC Trucking Association, highway maintenance contractors and WorkSafeBC to help promote winter driving preparedness. Other web sites with winter driving information include:

• ICBC http://www.icbc.com
• BCAA http://www.bcaa.com

Contact:
Jeff Knight
Public Affairs Bureau Ministry of Transportation
250 356-7707

Trace Acres
BCAA
604 268-5029

Kate Best
ICBC
604 982-2480

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