With daily temperatures hovering around freezing and snow in the weather forecast for Powell River, police are reminding drivers to slow down and be aware of road conditions.
“As it gets icy, more cars do go off the road,” said constable Tim Kenning of Powell River RCMP. “It’s important for drivers to pay attention to changing winter road conditions and slow down.”
Car-crash statistics north and south of town were not abnormally high in 2015 with 59 accidents, said Kenning. But those numbers are only for accidents that resulted in injuries or significant property damage, he added. “Most accidents tend to be in parking lots and a lot of fender benders,” he said.
The provincial government contracts Capilano Highway Services to perform winter maintenance on Highway 101, and Powell River Regional District contracts Capilano for some roads south and north of town. City of Powell River performs its own maintenance for city roads.
Capilano president Steve Drummond said the company takes a proactive approach to making sure the highway is de-iced, but drivers need to be aware of road conditions.
“We run on a 24-hour basis and we’re out there ahead of time,” said Drummond. “Generally, colder temperatures arrive in the early morning and at sunrise.”
Drummond said the company relies on detailed weather forecasts and does not wait for roads to freeze before they start de-icing.
“If we know temperatures are going to dip, we’ll get out there,” he said.
Despite winter maintenance efforts, drivers need to pay attention to potential icy conditions on bridge decks, road corners and hills, places that do not get as much sun during the day.
“The sun will warm up the road surface and keep it from freezing during the day, but it’s those shady spots that are tricky for drivers,” said Drummond.
According to an Insurance Corporation of BC (ICBC) survey, almost four in 10 respondents indicated they felt less confident driving during the winter, and seven in 10 feel less safe and frustrated by actions of other drivers on the road.
Winter driving tips from ICBC
Potholes
Potholes can be a hazard during cold and wet weather. For all types of winter hazards, ICBC recommends drivers reduce speed and increase distances between vehicles on the road, which in both cases gives drivers more time to react to road hazards.
Hydroplaning
Water pooled on the road surface can present a driving hazard. Hydroplaning happens when tires lose contact with the road surface and float on a film of water. If this happens, ease off the accelerator and avoid braking.
Black ice
During winter, road conditions can change quickly and though the road may look the same, black ice can form unexpectedly and not be visible, particularly in shaded areas of roads and on bridges, overpasses and intersections where water from car exhaust and packed snow can freeze quickly.
If a driver hits a patch of black ice and starts to skid, ease off the accelerator, look and steer smoothly in the preferred direction, and don’t brake. It may take time to regain control.
