With the temperature going down and decorations going up, the holiday season is set to begin.
This is the perfect time of year to spend time with friends and family. As we move into winter, however, it’s important to keep safety in mind as we drive across town, or out of town, to visit our loved ones. Snow and ice can make road conditions dangerous around this time of year, but with a bit of preparation, we can make sure that we and our loved ones stay safe.
Some important precautions to take during the winter include checking current road conditions, planning your route ahead of time, leaving plenty of time so you’re not rushing, learning winter road skills, leaving plenty of room between you and the vehicles ahead of you, and having an emergency plan in case anything happens.
One of the best places to learn about winter road safety on the ICBC website at www.icbc.com/roadsafety.
There, you can learn about how to prepare your car for winter, and get tips on what do if your car is hydroplaning, or if you find yourself driving on black ice. By knowing how to deal with these types of conditions beforehand, you can prevent accidents from happening.
Another great resource is the DriveBC.ca website, which can help you plan for road conditions before you set out on the road.
By checking ahead, planning your route, and making sure you are prepared for the conditions you’ll be driving in, you’ll help make the road safer not only for yourself, but also for everyone around you.
Remember to celebrate responsibly this winter, and if you’re planning on drinking, make sure you have a safe way of getting home.
Operation Red Nose is kicking off its 30th annual campaign at the end of the month, so don’t hesitate to call.
Have a safe and happy holiday season!
Donna Barnett is the Liberal MLA for Cariboo-Chilcotin.
