By Duane Grandbois

Time to Check For the Snowflake

Sep 30, 2017 | 12:34 PM

It’s that time, drivers must obey winter tire and chain signs throughout the province from October 1 to March 31

Rapid changes in elevation and weather can make highway conditions in B.C. unpredictable during the winter. You may start a trip in sunshine but face stretches of slush, ice, heavy snowfall or compact snow along the way.

Most B.C. highways have high mountain passes where you are likely to encounter winter weather starting in October.

Statistics show that winter related vehicle accidents increase in October. Winter tires perform better on ice than summer tires.

Learn how to identify if your tires are approved for winter driving. The mountain logo with an embedded snowflake generally means your tires are good for winter use in BC.

Drivers failing to have vehicles properly equipped can be fined $109. Enforcement officers may prevent you from traveling if not properly equipped for road conditions or for safety reasons.

Sections of highways requiring winter tires or chains on board are marked with roadside signs. For passenger vehicles, chains on summer tires are not an acceptable substitute for winter tires on signed highways.

Should you go beyond the signs without the proper equipment you may be turned around by RCMP, CVSE or another policing agency, and be subject to a fine.