BC saw a huge spike in crash reports during this week's snowstorm
Winter finally arrived in Metro Vancouver this week with a blast of snow, which resulted in a huge jump in the number of crash reports across the province.
The Insurance Corporation of BC (ICBC) saw a 40% week-over-week spike in insurance claims on Sunday, February 2 as snow and cold weather made roads slick to traverse.
The province’s insurance provider tallied the number of claims made during the recent snowstorm and said 1,399 incidents were reported for Sunday.
Claim reports are a proxy to measure the number of crashes; however, this figure doesn’t include minor collisions that weren’t reported where drivers may have preferred to pay for repairs out of pocket.
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The number of claims made on Monday, February 3 was also slightly higher than the week before, rising 6% to 1,369 claims.
According to ICBC, Vancouver, Surrey, Richmond, Langley and Delta saw the biggest spikes in insurance claims during the winter storm.
Sarah McKinney, ICBC’s senior manager of stakeholder and community relations, provided drivers with some tips for driving during a snowstorm.
“The key to driving in snowy conditions is to drive slow and steady,” said McKinney in a release. “Increase your following distance behind other vehicles and avoid sudden movements that could cause your vehicle to skid. Pay close attention as you approach intersections and look for pedestrians.”
Winter driving (Pexels)
ICBC recently released a survey conducted by Ipsos that shows a majority of BC drivers feel nervous about driving in winter conditions, with Metro Vancouver drivers being the most anxious compared to the rest of the province.
The survey also shows that one-third of BC drivers had not installed winter tires, though 95% of drivers are more likely to take extra precautions such as checking road and weather conditions before heading out or delaying travel until conditions improve.
After a truck hit the median on Highway #1 near Chilliwack, BC Highway Patrol issued a reminder that winter tires only work if they stay on your vehicle.
“About 100 km after every wheel change, you need to check your lug nuts to make sure they haven’t loosened,” said Corporal Michael McLaughlin with BC Highway Patrol. “This 4×4 had great tires and a confident driver, but no amount of confidence can overcome a missing wheel.”
Burnaby RCMP
Drivers are also asked to keep their vehicles clear of snow after a storm. In Burnaby, RCMP stopped 112 vehicles near Broadway and North Road in just two hours due to improper snow clearing.
Driving with an obstructed view can result in a $109 fine under Section 195 (1)(b) of the Motor Vehicle Act. The fine applies to a car’s front, rear, and side windows, as well as headlights and taillights.
With files from Megan Devlin