Drive smart in the snow, BCAA urges British Columbia drivers

Snow is in the forecast for British Columbia this weekend, so BCAA is urging drivers to stay sharp on the roads.

Josh Smythe is a manager of customer care and and product specialist for BCAA. He has tips for people planning to take the wheel over the coming days.

“My first recommendation if you have to get around during a snow day is giving yourself extra time to get there,” he says.

“Things slow down. Vehicles don’t move as well, which is good because when it’s snowing we need to slow down and drive with a little bit more caution to get to where we need to be.”

Be winter ready w/ the BCAA Mobile App. Did you know you can get faster access to roadside assistance if you submit your request using the BCAA Mobile App or online at https://t.co/Rtlq8Q88B9? No waiting on hold & track the driver’s arrival time!
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— BCAA (@BCAA) December 14, 2021

It’s also a good idea to have a preparedness kit in your car in case of emergencies. Should you break down on the side of the road during a flurry, items like blankets, snacks, and reflective clothes can come in handy.

“Get awesome snacks for the children — not only snacks, but we want to make sure they’re good snacks. They’re not snacks that have been sitting in your emergency kits since last year,” says Smythe.

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Double-check your expiration dates to make sure the food you packed is still edible.

Bring extra fuel and wiper fluid too, along with COVID-19 essentials like extra masks and sanitizer.

Snow is on the way overnight with up to 5 cms expected for #Vancouver. Our crews are out prepping all priority routes.

Are you ready for snow this winter?#BCstorm #BePrepared pic.twitter.com/64v47d0UYb

— City of Vancouver (@CityofVancouver) December 17, 2021

“Make sure you winterize your vehicle for the oncoming weather and the season as well,” he says.

“If you’re in the Lower Mainland, we are a little bit more privileged in regards to weather that’s not excessive, so when it does get a little bit snowy or slippery, we don’t have that constant experience that maybe other parts of the province or country have regularly during this time of year.”

Winterizing your vehicle includes getting new tires, booking a check-up with your auto technician, and more preparation.

“Even during the daylight and adverse weather conditions, keep your headlights on. Visibility is always key,” he says. “Then keep an eye on the forecast.”