Unprepared drivers contribute to Lower Mainland winter storm gridlock
The winter wallop that slammed into British Columbia’s south coast Tuesday hit right in the middle of the evening commute, creating a critical mass of gridlock that delayed plows and sanding trucks.
Part of the problem may have been a result of over-confident drivers trying to navigate the snowy streets without winter tires.
"If your vehicle's not ready for it but you feel you're ready for it, you're not ready for it because you're in your vehicle – and the vehicle is the key component in this,” said Josh Smythe, customer care manager for BCAA.
Mainroad Contracting, the company responsible for keeping most Lower Mainland highways and bridges clear, had 40 trucks on the road for plowing and salting.
But at the height of the storm, most of them were stuck in traffic at a standstill.
“It’s just unfortunate that the travelling public all kind of left at the same time even though we had ample enough warning to get out earlier, or work from home,” said the company’s general manager Darren Ell.
“Once that gridlock tied up that Delta/Richmond area, our trucks are out there trying to get through that as well, but they can’t go anywhere.”
Many commercial truckers also found themselves in trouble with some big rigs jack-knifed across multiple lanes of traffic and contributing to the significant delays in getting road clearing equipment where it needed to be.
Smythe says trucking companies and their drivers should consider parking their vehicles for a few hours if they are not well-equipped for and experienced in driving in winter conditions.
"At the end of the day, if they’re out in a situation like that, they're going to be stuck in traffic and shutting down the business anyway,” he said.
Before the storm, the Ministry of Transportation used its DriveBC social media accounts to warn the public about the impending snow.
A post on Twitter encouraged people to check their wiper blades, fill their windshield washing fluid, and carry a snow brush.
https://twitter.com/DriveBC/status/1597742447467311104
But it made no mention of proper snow tires and did not encourage people to stay home if they had any doubts about their vehicle, or driving skills, performing up to standard in winter weather.
"In terms of doing it better, I think there's always opportunities to take a look at what our public communication looked like in advance of the weather event and making sure we're exploring all avenues,” said Janelle Staite, a regional director of highway services.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Grandparents killed in wrong-way crash on Hwy. 401 identified
A 60-year-old man and a 55-year-old woman killed in a wrong-way crash on Highway 401 earlier this week have been identified by the Consulate General of India in Toronto.
Police arrest 3 Indian nationals in killing of B.C. Sikh activist Hardeep Singh Nijjar
Three people have been arrested and charged in the killing of B.C. Sikh activist Hardeep Singh Nijjar – as authorities continue investigating potential connections to the Indian government.
Suter scores late goal, clinches series for Canucks
Pius Suter scored with 1:39 left and the Vancouver Canucks advanced to the second round of the NHL playoffs with a 1-0 victory over the Nashville Predators on Friday night in Game 6.
TD worst-case scenario more likely after drug money laundering allegations: analyst
TD Bank Group could be hit with more severe penalties than previously expected, says a banking analyst after a report that the investigation it faces in the U.S. is tied to laundering illicit fentanyl profits.
Quebec man who threatened Trudeau, Legault online sentenced to 20 months in jail
A Quebec man who pleaded guilty to threatening Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and Premier François Legault has been sentenced to 20 months in jail.
Human remains found in rural Sask. possibly a decade old, RCMP say
RCMP say human remains found in a rural area in central Saskatchewan may have been there for a decade or more.
Britney Spears 'home and safe' after paramedics responded to an incident at the Chateau Marmont, source tells CNN
A source close to singer Britney Spears tells CNN that the pop star is 'home and safe' after she had a 'major fight' with her boyfriend on Wednesday night at the Chateau Marmont in West Hollywood.
Canadian doctor concerned new weight-loss drug Wegovy may be used inappropriately
As Wegovy becomes available to Canadians starting Monday, a medical expert is cautioning patients wanting to use the drug to lose weight that no medication is a ''magic bullet,' and the new medication is meant particularly for people who meet certain criteria related to obesity and weight.
Drew Carey is never quitting 'The Price Is Right'
Drew Carey took over as host of 'The Price Is Right' and hopes he’s there for life. 'I'm not going anywhere,' he told 'Entertainment Tonight' of the job he took over from longtime host Bob Barker in 2007.