With spring bringing warmer temperatures to the Kootenays, motorists may be tempted to take off their winter tires; however, Road Safety at Work says it’s best to wait.
Even at this time of year, cool temperatures and slippery roads make traction essential.
B.C. law requires winter tires on designated highways until at least March 31, but some routes require them until April 30.
Regardless of the route, Road Safety at Work program coordinator Trace Acres says the safest decision is to keep your winter tires on until temperatures consistently stay above 7 degrees Celsius.
“Weather can be deceptive at this time of year. Even though spring may be in the air, cold nights can lead to morning frost, snow, or slippery roads,” he says.
“It can be spring-like down where you live, but if you do have to, for example, go over the Salmo-Creston Pass on Highway 3, you may find that it’s still winter conditions at the top of the pass. So, check weather reports, check DriveBC, and know the routes that you’re going to be travelling to make sure that you’re compliant.”
Acres says most highways east of Nelson have a winter tire mandate in effect until April 30, including the Salmo to Creston Pass.
“All highways east of Creston, through the Cranbrook area up to Radium Hot Springs and Golden, over to Elkford, and right to the Alberta border, those highways all have a winter tire mandate in place until the end of April.”
Winter tires use rubber that remains flexible in cold weather, giving drivers better grip, braking, and handling.
According to Acres, traction is a critical safety feature at this time of year, when drivers can face early morning frost, black ice in areas that don’t get much sunlight, and late-winter storms. Rain and melting snow can pool on roads and even flood them.
“Winter tires do provide added protection in the wintertime, especially in lower temperatures. Winter tires are made of a different rubber compound that gives you better grip during low temperatures, and we know that overnight and early in the morning, when you might be commuting to work, those are times when the temperatures are still low and you really do need those tires to give you the best safety on the roads.”
Road Safety at Work encourages drivers to “know before you go” by checking road and weather conditions on DriveBC before setting out.
Whenever possible, don’t drive when conditions are poor.
If you have to go, adjust your driving to the conditions to maintain full control of your vehicle. Reduce speed and maintain at least a four-second distance between vehicles.
“Give yourself lots of time and space to react,” advises Acres. “It’s better to get there late than not at all due to a crash.”
He adds that visibility and tire pressure are also important at this time of year. Motorists should keep their headlights on so tail and brake lights also come on, helping to ensure you can see and be seen.
Motorists should check tire pressure at least monthly, as fluctuations in pressure due to temperature changes can affect braking distance, steering, and handling.
Additionally, Acres emphasizes the importance of keeping windshield washer fluid topped up and carrying an extra jug, especially on a long trip.
“At this time of the year, roads can be quite wet, so you want to make sure that your windshield wipers are in good condition and that you have lots of washer fluid. The last thing you want is to be in the middle of a mountain pass and suddenly run out of washer fluid.”
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