Image Credit: CFJC Today

By Adam Donnelly

DRIVE SAFE

Winter tires now required on BC Highways

Oct 1, 2019 | 5:36 PM

KAMLOOPS — October 1st is the first day drivers on many highways across British Columbia are required to have winter tires on their vehicle. While there are many options when it comes to winter tires, one local tire shop owner believes not all winter rated tires are created equal.

Business is booming for Graham O’Connor, at his tire shop Tirecraft in the Mount Paul Industrial Park. That seems to happen every year when the calendar turns from September 30 to October 1.

“People are more and more prepared. They used to just wait until the first snowfall before they’d come in and get their winters on,” O’Connor says. “Now they’re coming into nearly two weeks into September.”

O’Connor says it’s essential to be prepared. You never know when that first blast of winter is going to hit.

“I was just in Calgary over the weekend, and it snowed eight inches. It’s not that far away.”

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Preparation is the name of the game for WorkSafeBC, as well. They’re part of the Winter Driving Safety Alliance, and the October 1 changeover date is a good chance for them to remind everyone to take ownership of their safety on the roads.

“Employers are responsible for the safety of their workers in the workplace, and that includes behind the wheel,” Mark Ordeman, Manager of Transportation and Occupational Road Safety at WorkSafeBC explains. “Drivers do have a responsibility as well; they need to follow the laws.”

Ordeman explains there are a number of ways drivers can get ready for wintertime driving, starting with the right kind of tires.

“Preferably the mountain peak and snowflake symbol, but mud and snow [tires] is also allowed,” Ordeman says. “Also, make sure your vehicle is in good driving condition, so it doesn’t cause you a problem out there. Drive to the road conditions; they’re going to be worse during the winter. Finally, stay back a little further from the cars in front of you, so you have a better time to react, and your vehicle has a better chance to respond.”

And while M + S tires might work for drivers in the Lower Mainland, O’Connor suggests those hitting the roads in BC’s interior be better prepared.

Image Credit: CFJC Today

“Having a dedicated winter tire with the three-peak mountain snowflake… is the only way to go,” O’Connor says. “You want to give yourself the best opportunity to stay safe, and that’s the best way to do it.”