Hazards ahead: As another winter storm looms, tips for staying safe while driving in the snow
With Metro Vancouver expected to see up to 20 centimetres of snow in the latest winter storm forecast for Wednesday evening into Thursday, drivers are being reminded to take extra care when heading out on the roads.
BCAA automotive specialist Josh Smythe said people should give themselves extra time to get to their destinations.
“Slipping and skidding, if it occurs, it’s important to remember any motions to correct it need to be done smoothly and intentionally,” he said. “No heavy turning, no slamming on the brakes.”
Smythe said it’s important to remember posted speed limits are meant for optimal conditions, and that having all-wheel drive or four-wheel drive doesn’t mean you’re invincible in the snow.
“You do often get a very good experience driving in it, because (four-wheel drive) will move you forward,” he said. “The problem with that is it gives you a bit of an illusion of the ability of stopping. It doesn’t stop any better than a two-wheel drive car. So give yourself that extra space. Anticipate extra room needed to stop.”
It’s also important to ensure your vehicle itself is ready for the snow.
“What we would hope you don’t have is summer tires. We would hope that you don’t have worn out winter tires,” Smythe said, and added thoroughly cleaning snow off your car before driving is also key, including mirrors and lights.
“Wipe off all the snow, not just off your windows. You want to wipe off the snow off your hood because as you start to get some speed, it’ll blow into your windshield and obscure your view. Wipe off your roof so that when that snow comes off, it doesn’t obscure the view of the vehicle travelling behind you.”
Smythe said making sure your lights are on during the day will also help increase your visibility.
But ultimately, Smythe said, if you’re not confident driving in the snow, you may want to make alternate plans.
“I myself, living in the Lower Mainland, we don’t have a lot of experience during the winter, so I’m not horribly comfortable going to extreme conditions,” he said. “If you’re not comfortable with it, don’t do it.”
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
B.C. tenants evicted for landlord's use after refusing large rent increase to take over neighbouring suite
Ashley Dickey and her mother rented part of the same Coquitlam duplex in three different decades under three different landlords.
MPP Sarah Jama asked to leave Ontario legislature for wearing keffiyeh
MPP Sarah Jama was asked to leave the Legislative Assembly of Ontario by House Speaker Ted Arnott on Thursday for wearing a keffiyeh, a garment which has been banned at Queen’s Park.
Mountain guide dies after falling into a crevasse in Banff National Park
A man who fell into a crevasse while leading a backcountry ski group deep in the Canadian Rockies has died.
Montreal actress calls Weinstein ruling 'discouraging' but not surprising
A Montreal actress, who has previously detailed incidents she had with disgraced Hollywood producer Harvey Weinstein, says a New York Court of Appeals decision overturning his 2020 rape conviction is 'discouraging' but not surprising.
Saskatchewan isn't remitting the carbon tax on home heating. Why isn't my province following suit?
After Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said the federal government would still send Canada Carbon Rebate cheques to Saskatchewan residents, despite Saskatchewan Premier Scott Moe's decision to stop collecting the carbon tax on natural gas or home heating, questions were raised about whether other provinces would follow suit. CTV News reached out across the country and here's what we found out.
Expert warns of food consumption habits amid rising prices
A new survey by Dalhousie University's Agri-Food Analytics Lab asked Canadians about their food consumption habits amid rising prices.
Charlie Woods, son of Tiger, shoots 81 in U.S. Open qualifier
Charlie Woods failed to advance in a U.S. Open local qualifying event Thursday, shooting a 9-over 81 at Legacy Golf & Tennis Club.
Caleb Williams goes to the Bears with the No. 1 overall pick in the NFL draft
Caleb Williams is heading to the Windy City, aiming to become the franchise quarterback Chicago has sought for decades.
Body of Quebec man who died in Cuba found in Russia, family confirms
A Montreal-area family confirmed to CTV News that the body of their loved one who died while on vacation in Cuba is being repatriated to Canada after it was mistakenly sent to Russia.