Motorists who have not done so already should get their vehicles ready for the winter driving season, police say.
Cpl. Bruce Haley of the Summerland RCMP detachment said all-season tires will work for driving within the region, but not for highway driving.
Haley said winter tires or chains are required for mountain passes at this time of the year.
Motorists also need to let their vehicles warm properly in the winter, so the windshield and windows are clear.
Quickly scraping the windshield in front of the driver is not sufficient, he added. “Give yourself time to warm up your vehicle so your windshield is clear,” he said.
During snowy, icy or slippery conditions, drivers need to slow down for the road conditions, Haley added. “The limit is the maximum, under the best road conditions,” he said.
Motorists can receive a ticket for driving too fast for road conditions, even if they are travelling well below the posted limit.
“People have to adjust their driving to the weather,” Haley said. “Don’t rush when the roads are slippery or icy.”
He added that the first snowy day of the winter tends to be the worst for accidents as drivers suddenly adjust to the change in road conditions.
