Information bulletin
For immediate release 

 

Saanich, BC – As winter weather continues to hit the region, Saanich is encouraging all residents to be mindful of winter driving conditions and is offering some winter driving safety tips.   

Tips for driving in winter conditions 

• Check conditions before you leave – visit drivebc.ca for current conditions.
• Keep a safe distance – make sure there is plenty of space between you and the vehicle ahead of you.
• If you don’t already have them, get winter tires – winter tires provide better traction, handling and braking abilities.
• Slow down and give yourself extra time – drive according to the road conditions and don’t rush.
• Clear snow and ice from your vehicle - clean all windows, mirrors, lights and the roof. Wait for any foggy windows to clear up so your visibility isn't poor.
• Learn how to recover from a skid - how your vehicle responds to a skid depends on whether or not it has rear wheel, front wheel or four wheel drive. 

How Saanich prepares for and clears ice and snow  

• Prior to snow and ice: Saanich pre-treats the roads with an anti-icing brine to help melt any snow that may fall or frost that forms. The brine applied to roads can be effective for up to three days in ideal weather conditions.
• When snow and ice are present: When snow accumulates and streets are wet, Saanich uses de-icing treatments such as salt to melt the snow. In lower sub-zero temperatures, sand may also be used for traction on snow or ice. Plows are used to remove snow during heavy snowfall events on a prioritized schedule.

Priority routes 

Saanich crews ensure priority routes are treated first: 

• Emergency access routes
• Major roads
• Priority bus routes
• Steep residential hills
• Priority sidewalks and bridges

 

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Media contact

Megan Catalano, Communications Manager
250-475-5494 ext. 3444
megan.catalano@saanich.ca