Metro Vancouver drivers are the most likely in B.C. to be nervous about tackling wintry road conditions, says study

A tire is seen on a snowy road in this file image.

As B.C. braces itself for widespread snowfall, drivers across the province will likely be feeling apprehensive about taking to the roads – especially if they’re living in Metro Vancouver, according to a new study.

An Ipsos survey commissioned by ICBC shows the majority of motorists in British Columbia, 60 per cent, feel nervous about driving in wintry conditions. Drivers living in Metro Vancouver are more uneasy about tackling snowy roads than those throughout the rest of the province are, at 64 per cent compared to 55 per cent, the study found.

One factor that could contribute to that feeling of uneasiness among drivers is their level of preparedness, or lack thereof.

When the survey, conducted in November, asked drivers across the province whether their vehicles were adequately equipped for wintry conditions, 38 per cent said they hadn’t yet installed winter tires. The portion of motorists without winter tires was higher in Metro Vancouver, at 44 per cent compared to the 31 per cent who had forgone the seasonal necessities within the rest of B.C.

Throughout the province, the majority of highways require winter tires or chains from Oct. 1 to April 30. Drivers staying within Metro Vancouver are not currently required to switch tires come the winter season.

Of those polled, 36 per cent said the reason why they had forgone making the switch was because they deemed the weather conditions in their region to be not severe enough to require the extra protection.

Just over a quarter of those surveyed, 27 per cent, said they chose to avoid driving in snow and icy conditions instead, while 22 per cent said they planned to put their winter tires on further into the season.

Just under a fifth, 19 per cent of respondents, cited the pricey cost of tires as the reason why they hadn’t yet made the shift.

Motorists aren’t completely throwing caution to the wind, however, with 95 per cent of those surveyed saying that the rise of extreme weather events in recent years has made them more likely to take extra precautions when hitting the roads.

Respondents said they were now more likely to check traffic and weather conditions before leaving (74 per cent), delay travel until the road conditions improve (60 per cent), ensure any vehicle maintenance has been carried out in time for the change in season (55 per cent), and pack an emergency kit (50 per cent).

With snow in the forecast for the weekend, ICBC’s Sarah McKinney offered tips for drivers to help them feel “confident and prepared” should the weather take a frosty turn.

“The key to driving in snowy conditions is to drive slow and steady,” she said, in ICBC’s news release on the poll.

“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.”

Drivers should be cautious of black ice, which is likely to be on the road if there is ice build-up on a car’s windshield, says ICBC. Black ice is commonly found in shaded areas, bridges, overpasses and intersections.

Those who don’t feel confident driving are advised to use public transit, taxis, or ride-sharing services, while drivers who are facing especially challenging winter conditions are advised to delay the travel completely, until the roads are plowed and the weather is clear.

The Ipsos survey collected data online between Nov. 7 and 12, and had 628 total respondents. Those who said they did not have a B.C. driver’s licence were screened out.