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Expect Changing Road Conditions This Thanksgiving Long Weekend

Fraser Valley/Coquihalla – ICBC is warning drivers travelling this Thanksgiving long weekend to be prepared for seasonal changes that could affect road conditions. Rain, fog and icy roads are just some of the challenging conditions drivers can expect on B.C. roads.​

On average, three people are killed and 520 people injured in 1,800 crashes in B.C. over the Thanksgiving long weekend.*

Here are ICBC’s key tips to help drivers stay safe this long weekend:

  • Know your route. Since the weather can be unpredictable, plan ahead to make your trip as saf​​e as possible. Check road and weather conditions at drivebc.ca or toll-free at 1-800-550-4997. There could be more traffic on the holiday long weekend, so be realistic about your travel time and allow extra time to get to your destination.
  • Prepare your vehicle. Now is a good time to get your vehicle prepared for the fall and winter seasons. Make sure that your tires are inflated at the correct pressure and the tread isn’t badly worn – pressure drops in cold weather and over inflated tires can reduce gripping. Check your engine oil, washer fluid, condition of your windshield wipers and spare tire to make sure that they’re all in good condition.
  • Check if you need winter tires. From October 1 to March 31, drivers are required to use winter tires on some B.C. highways​. Winter tires​ are labelled with either the mountain/snowflake symbol or the mud and snow (M+S) designation.
  • Slow down. Posted speed limits are intended for ideal road conditions only and it will become increasingly challenging to find such conditions as we move into the winter months. Allow yourself at least twice the normal braking distance on wet or slippery roads and avoid driving through flooded or washed out roads.

Regional statistics:*

  • In the Lower Mainland, about 370 people are injured in 1,100 crashes over the Thanksgiving long weekend.
  • In the Southern Interior, about 58 people are injured in 260 crashes over the Thanksgiving long weekend.
  • On Vancouver Island, about 66 people are injured in 250 crashes over the Thanksgiving long weekend.
  • In the North Central region, about 18 people are injured in 130 crashes over the Thanksgiving long weekend.​

*Crash and injury counts based on ICBC data (2009 to 2013); fatalities based on police data (2009 to 2013). Thanksgiving long weekend is calculated from 6 p.m. the Friday prior to the holiday to midnight Monday.

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