(Image Credit: CFJC News)

By Sydney Chisholm

Winter driving

Keep your cool, take your time: winter driving advice from Kamloops RCMP

Jan 16, 2024 | 6:00 PM

KAMLOOPS – Preparation and concentration is the safest way to drive through the winter season, according to Kamloops RCMP.

Before you get behind the wheel, make sure your vehicle is in good condition and you have proper winter tires.

“Give yourself time to properly clear your vehicle of all snow. You want your headlights to be clean. You want your mirrors to be clean,” said Cpl. Crystal Evelyn from Kamloops RCMP. “You want all the snow removed from your car so that it’s not flying all over other vehicles and so that it’s safe for everybody on the roadway, including yourself.”

Limited visibility, icy roads and snow can all contribute to a crash, but Ingrid Brakop, ICBC Road Safety Coordinator, says taking your time will limit the risk.

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“Typically in the winter, of course, collisions do rise a bit because of the winter road conditions. Of course, you’re dealing with slush, snow, ice, sleet,” Brakop explained. “A lot of these collisions are avoidable just by adjusting your speed limits, giving yourself a little extra time, giving the vehicle in front of you some extra space, giving yourselves a little bit of extra space as well.”

Brakop says your vehicle isn’t the only thing you should be preparing for the road. A cool head means safer cold-weather driving.

“Practice patience, kindness, focus on the road,” Brakop said. “Don’t let your cell phone distract you while you’re driving your vehicle. Choose just to enjoy the drive ahead. Especially in the winter, just focus on what’s happening around you.”