A new survey for the British Columbia Automobile Association (BCAA) reveals that British Columbians are not fully prepared for winter driving conditions.
The survey shows that just over half of drivers plan to install winter tires, and one in four admit to driving without a winter emergency kit.
The survey, conducted by Insights West, asked B.C. motorists about their winter driving habits and how they plan to prepare for winter driving conditions.
While the majority of respondents believe all B.C. drivers should use winter tires, only 52 per cent actually plan on installing them on their own vehicles.
Of those not planning to use winter tires this season, 54 per cent said it didn’t snow often enough in the area where they drive, and 51 per cent believe all-season tires are safe enough to get them through winter.
“There’s a misconception that winter tires are only for driving in snow,” says Ken Cousin, associate vice-president of BCAA Road Assist. “In fact, winter tires are the safest option for all winter conditions – whether it’s ice, frost, slush or snow. All of these can make roads dangerous for even the most experienced driver.”
Overall, the survey results show most B.C. motorists consider themselves to be good or experienced winter drivers, though one in four admit they do not carry a winter emergency kit.
When it comes to snowy road conditions, a quarter (25 per cent) consider themselves “nervous” but still drive, 17 per cent choose to not drive in bad winter conditions, while one-third of B.C. drivers (32 per cent) admit to “freaking out” when faced with driving in snow.
BCAA’s annual winter driving survey also reveals that close to 30 per cent of B.C. drivers say they were not taught how to drive in winter conditions.
“Whether you’re a good winter driver or not, whether you live in a snow belt or not, BCAA strongly advises motorists to prepare now before winter conditions hit and make smart choices along the way. Confident winter drivers should prepare now and practise safe winter driving habits. Those who prefer to avoid winter roads should plan for another way to get to their destination,” Cousin said.
According to BCAA, when harsh winter weather hits, the number of calls to the organization’s roadside assistance call centre can increase by more than 25 per cent. In the Metro Vancouver area, roadside assistance call volumes during snowy or frigid weather can double.
Visit bcaa.com/winterdriving for advice on how to prepare a vehicle for cold winter weather and what emergency items to carry, along with tips on how to drive in certain winter conditions and what drivers should do if they experience a vehicle breakdown.
