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 害羞草研究所渁ll time high害羞草研究所� 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.
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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.害羞草研究所檚 southern Interior, calls to ICBC害羞草研究所檚 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.
害羞草研究所� ICBC (@icbc)
RCMP say many of these crashes come because drivers get too confident driving in the snow and ice.
害羞草研究所淪ome individuals have been distracted and some people are not prepared, or at least their vehicles are not prepared害羞草研究所� for winter conditions, said Cpl. Mike Halskov of the B.C. RCMP害羞草研究所檚 traffic services.
Halskov warned drivers to 害羞草研究所渘ot get overconfident in terms of the conditions you think your vehicle can drive in.害羞草研究所�
害羞草研究所淭he laws of physics apply to everybody equally,害羞草研究所� he noted.
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Tires should have either a snowflake or be rated for mud and snow, Halskov said, and not be going bald.
害羞草研究所淭he amount of surface area on a tire that害羞草研究所檚 actually touching the ground is pretty small,害羞草研究所� he said.
害羞草研究所淪o there害羞草研究所檚 not a lot keeping their vehicle on the road.害羞草研究所�
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 害羞草研究所渟low down, and slow down a lot,害羞草研究所� Halskov said.
Whether it害羞草研究所檚 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.
害羞草研究所淚t害羞草研究所檚 easily prevented if they carry chains and make an effort to pull over and put on their vehicle chains,害羞草研究所� he said.
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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.
害羞草研究所淗ighway 3 between Hope and the Alberta border has about seven mountain passes to navigate and conditions can change very rapidly,害羞草研究所� he said.
害羞草研究所淚t害羞草研究所檚 not uncommon to get caught by a weather system.害羞草研究所�
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.
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