ICBC survey shows 90 per cent of northern B.C. respondents have winter tires installed

FORT ST. JOHN, B.C. — A new ICBC survey shows 90 per cent of respondents in northern B.C. prepared their vehicles for winter driving conditions by installing winter tires. 

According to a release from ICBC, 38 per cent of all survey respondents in the province witnessed a crash resulting from driving conditions last winter and 21 per cent said they had a close call while driving. 

ICBC and police are asking drivers in northern B.C. to adjust their driving for the conditions they encounter. This includes slowing down in bad weather, increasing the following distance, and allowing extra travel time. 

According to the organization, police data shows crashes due to drivers going too fast for the conditions increase by 188 per cent in January compared to October in northern B.C. 

Through the survey, B.C. residents also shared their top concerns when driving in the winter, with 78 per cent worried about encountering icy roads.

Freezing rain was marked as a concern for 58 per cent of respondents, and 35 per cent said they were concerned about decreased visibility. 

Additionally, in terms of human factors, 73 per cent of respondents said they were concerned about other drivers who don’t slow down and adjust their driving behaviour. 

Approximately 71 per cent expressed concern about drivers who don’t know how to drive on snow and ice, and 46 per cent of respondents said they were worried about inconsiderate or aggressive drivers. 

ICBC has tips for driving in winter conditions, including making sure vehicles are prepared, driving slow and steady in snowy and icy conditions, being patient and allowing extra travel time to get to a destination, being mindful of black ice, and considering alternatives to driving if possible. 

The full release, including further details on winter driving tips, can be found here.