ICBC and police remind drivers to prepare for winter conditions along Sea to
Sky highway

VANCOUVER , Nov. 20 /CNW/ - With sections of the Sea to Sky highway now seeing snowfall, ICBC and police are reminding drivers to prep their vehicles and use caution in winter driving conditions. To ensure everyone's safety, the West Vancouver Police and Sea to Sky Traffic Services are working together to patrol the highway and administer tire checks.

For the last four years, during the months of November to February, police attended an average of 50 crashes along the Sea to Sky highway where ice, snow, slush or water was a contributing factor.

"The Sea to Sky highway can be treacherous in winter," said Cpl. Scott Bowden , RCMP Sea to Sky Traffic Services. "We're reminding drivers that potential crashes can be prevented by driving safely and equipping your cars with proper winter tires that are designed to provide better traction in snow and greater stability and control on slushy roads. Another option is to carry chains, but be sure you know how to put them on before you actually need them."

If stopped at a check, drivers who haven't installed winter tires or chains could be asked to turn back and may also face a fine. Police will also be giving away ICBC windshield ice scrapers imprinted with educational tips. "We'll be doing tire checks periodically from now until the snow stops to make the highway safer for everyone," adds Sgt. Tim Kravjanski of the West Vancouver Police Department. "All seasons tires don't cut it. It's best to invest in winter tires that display the mountain and snowflake logo."

"In addition to installing proper winter tires, drivers should also slow down," said Nicolas Jimenez , ICBC's road safety director. "When you slow down you see more of the road, giving you extra time to prepare for any unpredictable conditions winter throws your way."

Police also remind drivers to adjust their speed in poorer driving conditions, otherwise they could face fines.

ICBC reminds everyone to make smart driving decisions and offers these tips:

    
        -  Slow down, especially on wet roads, in bad weather conditions or
           uneven roads. Consider driving below the posted speed limit. Allow
           at least four seconds of following distance between vehicles in
           bad weather or uneven roads.

        -  Prep your vehicle for winter. Invest in new winter tires and
           wipers, pack an emergency kit, top up fluids to avoid freezing,
           and frequently check tire pressure-tires deflate in cold weather.

        -  Stick a toonie in your tire. If the tread doesn't hit the gold
           centre of the toonie, it's time to speak to a tire expert about
           new winter tires.

        -  Plan ahead and give yourself extra time for possible delays that
           may occur, due to inclement weather. Check drivebc.ca for road and
           weather conditions.
    

For more information and tips, visit icbc.com/drivesmart.

For further information: Media contacts: Tom Webster, [phone]; Kim Thé, [phone]