Winter weather conditions can make road trips stressful but planning your route with up-to-date road information will go a long way toward saving you time, trouble, and reducing stress.

Driving on winter roads in British Columbia can be challenging even for experienced drivers. Click here for a very useful brochure (PDF) "Winter Safety — Tire Chains and Winter Tires. "

For information on the latest road conditions please visit Drive BC.

The Ministry of Transportation and Highways suggests the following guidelines for winter safe driving:

• Winterize your vehicle. Here's how .
• Drive with headlights on.
• When driving on ice or snow, allow plenty of room to stop and start.
• Maintain a safe distance between your vehicle and others.
• Do not use cruise control on slick highways. Here's why .
• Check weather and road conditions along your route before travelling.
• Keep your gas tank full to prevent the gas line from freezing and to maximize traction on slick roads.
• Stay on well travelled roads if possible. BC road map .
• Be sure all windows, lights, mirrors and licence plates are free of snow.
• Keep some emergency items in your car at all times, including an ice scraper/snow brush, first aid kit, jumper cables, a flashlight and a warm blanket.
• If you have a cell phone, bring it. If you can afford to purchase chains, do so.
• Let others know about your route and your expected arrival time.
• Always wear your seat belt.
• A four-wheel drive vehicle has no more traction on ice than any other type of vehicle.
• Avoid driving in poor weather conditions whenever possible.

So take a minute and access the latest road conditions by any one of the following methods before heading out. We're sure you'll agree - the best route is a planned route.

For more detailed information about a particular route, please contact the road and bridge maintenance contractor for that area.