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
How quietly promised law changes in the 2024 federal budget could impact your day-to-day life
The 2024 federal budget released last week includes numerous big spending promises that have garnered headlines. But, tucked into the 416-page document are also series of smaller items, such as promising to amend the law regarding infant formula and to force banks to label government rebates, that you may have missed.
Which foods have the most plastics? You may be surprised
'How much plastic will you have for dinner, sir? And you, ma'am?' While that may seem like a line from a satirical skit on Saturday Night Live, research is showing it's much too close to reality.
opinion I've been a criminal attorney for decades. Here's what I think about the case against Trump
Joey Jackson, a criminal defence attorney and a legal analyst for CNN, outlines what he thinks about the criminal case against Donald Trump in the 'hush money trial.'
$3.8M home in B.C.'s Okanagan has steel shell for extra wildfire protection
A home in B.C.'s Okanagan that features a weathering steel shell designed to provide some protection against wildfires has been listed for sale at $3.8 million.
Diver pinned under water by an alligator figured he had choice. Lose his arm or lose his life
An alligator attacked a diver on April 15 as he surfaced from his dive, nearly out of air. His tank emptied with the gator's jaws crushing the arm he put up in defence.
Psychologist becomes first person in Peru to die by euthanasia after fighting in court for years
A Peruvian psychologist who suffered from an incurable disease that weakened her muscles and had her confined to her bed for several years, died by euthanasia, her lawyer said Monday, becoming the first person in the country to obtain the right to die with medical assistance.
Mystery surrounds giant custom Canucks jerseys worn by Lions Gate Bridge statues
The giant stone statues guarding the Lions Gate Bridge have been dressed in custom Vancouver Canucks jerseys as the NHL playoffs get underway.
Celebrity designer sentenced to 18 months in prison for smuggling crocodile handbags
A leading fashion designer whose accessories were used by celebrities from Britney Spears to the cast of the 'Sex and the City' TV series was sentenced Monday to 18 months in prison after pleading guilty in Miami federal court on charges of smuggling crocodile handbags from her native Colombia.
Wildfire leads to evacuation order issued for northeast Alberta community
An evacuation order was issued on Monday afternoon for homes in the area of Cold Lake First Nation.