It will be no surprise to locals that last week's cold temperatures and snow resulted in an increase in drivers’ insurance claims.
According to the Insurance Corporation of British Columbia (ICBC), for the period of Jan. 31, Feb. 1, and 2, there were a corresponding 12, 13, and 23 claims reported.
(This does not include glass claims.)
Saturday, Feb. 1 and Sunday, Feb. 2, saw widespread snowfall in the region and temperatures dipping to around -7 C, which created hazardous driving conditions.
During these days, locals reported slick conditions in multiple spots, including on Cleveland Avenue, and vehicles in the ditch on the highway.
On Feb. 3, the claim number for Squamish went down to seven.
In January, most days saw between one and six claims for Squamish per day.
A survey conducted by Ipsos for ICBC found that 60% of drivers feel nervous driving in winter conditions.
The figure was even higher for Metro Vancouver drivers at 64%.
In the rest of B.C., 55% said they felt nervous.
Shockingly (or not, given the increase in insurance claims), 38% of B.C. survey respondents said they did not have winter tires when they were polled in November.
For the Sea to Sky Highway, this law requires winter tires to be on from Oct. 1 to March 31.
All four tires must be marked with either a snowflake or an M+S symbol.
ICBC provides the following tips if you have to hit the road in poor winter conditions.
- Posted speed limits are designed for ideal road conditions. Slow down when driving on snow, ice, slush or rain.
- Allow yourself at least twice the normal braking distance on wet or slippery roads.
- Avoid driving through flooded or washed-out roads.
- Use extreme caution when approaching highway maintenance equipment, including plows, salt and sand trucks. Never pass on the right.
- Low beams are more effective in fog or heavy snow.
- Check tire pressure regularly. Pressure drops in colder conditions.
- Keep the wiper fluid topped up for clearer visibility.
- Keep your gas tank full to prevent gasoline from freezing in extreme temperatures.
- Check roads and weather before your trip at toll-free 1-800-550-4997 or www.drivebc.ca.
For local employers, Road Safety At Work offers a free online course, "Making Winter Driving Safer for Your Employees."
It takes about an hour to complete.
