Whether you like it or not, wintery weather has officially arrived in BC’s capital.
While Greater Victoria continues to be blanketed in snow, it can be a beautiful sight to behold—but it can also pose some serious safety risks if you’re required to travel in the inclement weather.
Transportation during winter conditions can be harrowing in itself, which is why it’s so important to remember to do your part when it comes to safety precautions while driving in the snow.
Things like having the proper tires on your vehicle and using caution while taking to the roads are key in these conditions, and some—like clearing your vehicle and windshields of snow and ice—can even earn you a fine if you don’t do them.
With the onset of snowy conditions across BC, authorities remind drivers to clear all snow from their vehicle so that their view is not obstructed while driving.
And if you don’t?
It may earn you a $109 ticket and three penalty points under Section 195 (1) (b) of the Motor Vehicle Act, ‘Drive While View Obstructed’.
In a frightening incident a couple years ago, a pedestrian was struck while crossing a downtown Victoria intersection—and in dashcam footage of the hit-and-run, the vehicle involved could be seen covered in a heavy layer of snow—another stark reminder of the importance of clearing your vehicle of any snow or ice that may be obstructing your view.
So before you venture onto the icy roads of Greater Victoria, make sure to wipe off the snow from your vehicle—including from hard to reach areas such as the roof!
