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When snow falls, so do your chances of staying in control of your vehicle

Published 2:11 PST, Mon February 3, 2025
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Driving in snow this week all across the Lower Mainland is more than a seasonal inconvenience. It’s also a high-risk challenge that could change your life in an instant.
Reduced traction and visibility, ice, and extended stopping distances transform roads into obstacle courses for even the most careful drivers.
“Driving in winter conditions is one of the most dangerous tasks for drivers, even for short or routine trips,” says Trace Acres, program director for Road Safety at Work. “It doesn’t matter how many times you’ve done it before. The most experienced drivers can struggle to stop, steer, or recover from a skid.”
The average number of crashes per month in B.C. from October through February spikes to 24,326 — about 2,000 more than during the other months. For residents who drive for work, November through January is the riskiest time of year. Crashes over those months increase by 27 per cent on average compared with the rest of the year, according to WorkSafeBC statistics.
Driving too fast for the conditions is one of the leading contributors to crashes at this time of year. Distracted driving is another.
“These are driving choices that are within your control,” Acres says. “When the weather changes, your trip changes. So your driving needs to as well. Most crashes are preventable if we slow down, focus solely on driving, and leave plenty of space between ourselves and the vehicle in front of us.”
Tips for driving safely in snow
Whether you drive for pleasure or for work, follow these tips from Road Safety at Work:
- Know before you go. If you can’t postpone your trip, check DriveBC.ca and your local government website for updated road, traffic, and weather conditions on your route. Be cautious when travelling under bridges and underpasses, where black ice often forms. Steer clear of roadside work zones, where you’ll have even less room to safely maneuver.
- Use winter tires with the three-peaked mountain and snowflake symbol. They provide the best traction when temperatures drop below 7C. Check your tire pressure regularly.
- Drive below the posted speed limit.
- Allow at least 4 seconds of following distance. Give yourself more time to stop and react to other drivers. If you drive an EV, remember that the extra weight of your vehicle means it will take longer to stop.
- Turn on your lights. See and be seen.
- Accelerate, brake, and steer gently to avoid losing traction. Avoid sudden movements, as they can cause your vehicle to skid or lose control.
- Don’t panic in a skid. If you start to slide, gently ease off the accelerator or brake and steer in the direction you want to go.
If you drive occasionally, part time or full time on the job, follow your organization’s winter driving policies. Your employer is responsible for your safety whenever you drive for work. Examples include picking up supplies, going to clients or between offices, or making deliveries. Ask your supervisor for training and more information.
Road Safety at Work offers more tips through its Winter Driving Safety campaign at RoadSafetyAtWork.ca/winter.