It's THAT time of year! Visitors! Animals running! Kids playing! Hot weather! Roads under construction!
Toll-free B.C. road information is available 24 hours-a-day at 1-800-550-4997.
Coquihalla Toll Plaza CBPQ FM is a low frequency station which broadcasts the latest Coquihalla and Okanagan Connector road conditions. CBPQ FM can be received within a two-mile radius of the toll plaza. Tune your car radio to 89.9 FM.
In many areas of the province, motorists are alerted to the latest road conditions by electronic overhead message signs. These signs are highly visible and are automatically updated as conditions change. Watch for them once you're on the road.
Sharing the Road: Some Tips for Visitors and Residents
Summer is prime vacation time, and B.C. is a beautiful province with a wonderful variety of scenery. There's something new to see around every bend ... and it may not be something you are expecting! Here are two important reminders for visitors and residents:
- Be extra patient and careful. Always remember: other motorists and cyclists around you may not be familiar with the route. They may make mistakes or stop suddenly.
- Drivers must keep their eyes on the road. Find a safe place to pull over and stop to appreciate the natural beauty. Watch for signs that indicate the designated pulloffs to special viewpoints of interest. These are designed for safe and easy access. Many also provide information about local history and geography.
How to Avoid Collisions with B.C.'s Wild Creatures
Traveling B.C. roads, you are likely to see many different animals: from huge moose to small porcupines. In the summer many young creatures become more mobile, and they are likely to join their parents crossing the road to find new habitat. They're beautiful and entertaining to watch. But wildlife and cars on the road together can be a lethal mix. Hitting an animal is not just emotionally upsetting. Even a smaller animal can damage a vehicle. A larger animal can cause a serious collision. Here are some ideas on how to avoid hitting them:
- Be extra careful in the early morning or at dusk and during the night. These times are when animals are most likely to be on the road.
- Slow down and look ahead into the ditch for movement or for the reflection of animal eyes in your headlights.
- Some animals, especially deer, may panic when they see your headlights and may freeze in the road. If you see an animal, slow down until you are well past them.
- Moose will often attempt to escape from a car by continuing to run along the road. This may pose a hazard to other drivers. If it is safe to do so, pull over or slow to a very low speed until the animal leaves the road.
- Many animals travel in groups. If you see one on the road, slow down -- there may be more following.
- If you see a large dead animal in the road, please call the police or the local Ministry of Transportation and Highways office. We need to remove the body from the traffic lanes before it causes an accident.
- Above all, watch for the wildlife warning signs, which are posted at areas where experience shows animals are likely to be on the road.
Watch for Children Playing
Vacation time is exciting for kids. They like to enjoy the good weather by playing outdoors. When they're having fun, they may forget to watch for traffic.
- Be extra careful when passing children who are on bicycles, roller skates or just playing at the side of the road.
- If you're driving toward parked vehicles on residential roads always watch for youngsters running out from behind them!
If you live in a cold climate, you will probably remember to 'winterize' your car by putting on winter tires, adding antifreeze, etc. Your car has special summer needs too. Here are a few things to check before leaving on a driving holiday:
- Check all your fluid levels before leaving.
- Good spark plugs and a clean air filter add up to better gas mileage.
- Check your tires for wear and alignment. Make certain they have equal pressure. These little steps will help you stop quickly without sliding in emergency situations. They will also give you better gas mileage.
- Get your brakes checked. The time spent getting them inspected may save your life later!
- Check your cooling system. Make certain your radiator isn't clogged, and all the hoses and belts in your engine are working properly.
- Be prepared for trouble. Make certain you have a good spare tire, tire changing tools, an extra bottle of water for your radiator, and a flashlight.
- After a rest stop and at the beginning of each travel day, always walk around your vehicle and check for anything unusual before you resume your trip.
Dealing with Road Construction Delays
Road construction can create frustrating travel delays! Unfortunately, many road works can only be done during periods of guaranteed good weather. That means summer is the main road construction season. Here are some things to remember:
- Monitor local media for traffic delay information
- Remember traffic control people (flag persons) working at construction sites are there to make certain everyone gets by safely. Respect them. In B.C., fines are more than double for people who ignore flaggers and speed through construction zones.
- Plan your trip in advance. The following section tells you how to find information that can help you prepare for possible delays when you're traveling.
Have a safe, happy, trouble-free holiday, and when traveling through road construction zones remember:
OBEY THE SIGN OR PAY DOUBLE THE FINE!
Planning your route with up-to-date road information will go a long way toward saving you time, trouble, and reducing stress.
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 further information on provincial highways conditions please contact the Ministry of Transportation:
Supervisor,
Provincial Highway Condition Centre
7818 6th Street
Burnaby, B.C., Canada
V3N 4N8
Telephone: 1-800-567-4977
Vancouver: (604) 660-9770
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