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January 8, 2009 news releases

Roads still dangerous as snow melts — January 8

ICBC warns drivers to remember two main tips - slow down and keep your distance

ICBC wants to remind all drivers that just because the snow around roads is melting, it doesn't necessarily mean that the roads are safer. Current road conditions are slippery and may contain standing water, so drivers need to continue to adapt to the poor winter road environment.

Drivers need to be extra cautious of the hazards created by the combination of melting snow and the significant rainfall over the past 48 hours. The hazards include standing water, flooded areas, potholes and the possibility of black ice if temperatures dip again.

One of the biggest risks for drivers is hydroplaning, which occurs when drivers go too fast over water and their vehicle's tires stop making contact with the road. This means drivers could lose control of their vehicles.

If drivers find themselves hydroplaning, they need to ease off the accelerator, grip the steering wheel and keep steering where you want to go - avoid braking. If braking is unavoidable, pump the brakes gently until hydroplaning has stopped. If drivers have anti-lock brakes - don't pump them - but instead apply constant, firm pressure.

Drivers also need to be cautious of black ice - which is often hidden by shaded areas, bridges, overpasses and intersections where car exhaust and packed snow ice up quickly. Potholes are another hazard for drivers during cold and wet weather. For all of these types of winter hazards, drivers need to remember the same two key tips - reduce your speed and increase your following distance. The more time you have to react to any hazard the better.

Another tip for drivers is to check road conditions at www.drivebc.ca external link before they travel, especially as there have already been some road and highway closures due to mudslides or flooding. Finally, everyone can do their part to ease the high water levels we are currently seeing on our roads by clearing out drains by their homes.

The severe winter road conditions have certainly increased the call volume for ICBC's Dial-A-Claim call centre, with an approximate 30 per cent increase over the expected call volume during the past week. November to January is traditionally the time of year that sees the most crashes.

During this busy time, ICBC is asking customers to be patient as it processes a higher-than-normal amount of claims. To make the claims process run smoother, ICBC suggests having the following information ready:

Customers in the Lower Mainland can reach Dial-a-Claim by calling 604-520-8222. Those who are elsewhere in BC can dial 1-800-910-4222, and those outside of BC can call 1-800-910-4222.

Media Contact:
Adam Grossman
Tel: 604-982-1332