Freezing nights and sunny days have Road Safety at Work reminding drivers to expect the unexpected when behind the wheel with the potential of black ice on Kootenay roads.
Program director for Road Safety at Work, Trace Acres, says while we’ve been lucky this winter with minimal snow keeping our highways and passes relatively bare and dry, it’s no time to be complacent.
“We need to make sure that our vehicles are properly equipped for winter temperatures, and we need to be aware of the possibility of ice and other hazards at this time of the year.” said Acres.
Acres says the best advice is to adjust your attitude to getting to your destination safely, not quickly.
“You don’t want to be racing up to stoplights or stop signs because who knows, there might be ice near that intersection and you get to the close to the intersection, and all of a sudden you find you can’t stop.”
Or better yet, don’t drive.
“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.”
Before you drive for work or pleasure, check road, weather, and traffic conditions on DriveBC.ca.
“It’s always better to know what you’re up against. Preparation and caution are key to avoiding crashes.”
Treat every trip as a new situation and assume other drivers might not be as prepared or cautious as you are, says Acres.
Invest in winter tires
Road Safety at Work highlight the importance of winter tires, particularly, with dropping temperatures on the forecast.
“Winter tires are designed to function better at lower temperatures.” Said Acres.
“So, when temperatures do drop below zero for a period of time your winter tires are going to function better and give you better traction than an all season or a summer tire.”
Watch for black ice
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. It’s a thin, transparent layer that blends into the road and can catch drivers off guard.
Spotting black ice can be difficult but there are clues to look for. If you see shiny, dark patches on the road or ice buildup on your windshield, black ice may be present.
“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.” said Acres.
Be sure to give yourself plenty of time for your trip too. 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.
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