WorkSafeBC

The Cold War is back. Keep winter under surveillance. Don't know? Don't go.

Welcome to the Shift into Winter website. Here you will find resources and tips on how to stay safe on the road this winter, whether you drive as part of your job or for pleasure.

First - do you really need to go? Remember that every day thousands of BC workers risk being injured or killed while driving on the job. Driving in winter conditions can put you at even greater risk.

The best way to stay safe on the roads this winter is to avoid driving when road and weather conditions are bad. Even an hour or two can make a big difference. If you can, wait until the weather improves. If you have to drive, drive smart. Make sure your vehicle is winter ready, give yourself lots of extra time to get where you need to go and carry an emergency survival kit.

A few moments thinking about it now could save you problems when you are behind the wheel.

Here's what you can do to drive safely in winter conditions.

• Prepare yourself for winter driving (PDF 191 KB) Driving in winter can be treacherous, prepare yourself by working through seven key steps. Be sure to visit DriveBC.ca for current road conditions and weather forecasts.
• Prepare your vehicle for winter weather (PDF 715 KB) Winter weather is hard on your vehicle and its engine. Make sure it is up to the challenge.
• Drive for the conditions (PDF 162 KB) Think about how to manage in winter conditions before you have to.
• Winter driving tips for truck drivers (PDF 174 KB) Winter can be a dangerous time to be on roadways, whether you are a new or seasoned driver. Be prepared and stay safe.

Resources for your Workplace

• Winter Driving Tips for BC Log Haulers (PDF 217 KB) 13 tips to keep you and your truck safe in winter conditions.



• Shift Into Winter Safety Committee - Employer Presentation (PowerPoint) A presentation for joint safety committees, employers, supervisors and workers. Select "Notes Pages" to see the speaking notes that accompany the presentation.



• Winter Driving Survival checklist (PDF 984 KB) Make sure your vehicle is properly equipped in case you become stranded.


Winter Driving Safety Posters

• The Cold War is back. (PDF 438 KB)
• Black ice. The secret agent. (PDF 266 KB)
• Suspect every snowflake. (PDF 2.7 MB)
• Snow. The double agent. (PDF 235 KB)
• Everyone is Responsible for Workplace Health and Safety (PDF 653 KB)

Listen to the Shift into Winter radio campaign
Radio spot #1 (30 sec)
Radio spot #2 (30 sec)

Other Related Information

Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure (BC Government)

• DriveBC
  Check highway conditions, highway cams and delay information.
• DriveBC Weather
  Check for route forecasts and current conditions.
• Traction and Winter Driving
  This guide explains the differences between chains and provides general guidelines on their use.
• DriveBC Chain-up Information
  Information on how to use tire chains properly.

Weather Warnings for British Columbia
Source: Environment Canada

ICBC Speed Relative to Conditions Campaign 2012 (video)

Speeding Boardroom

ICBC Driving Tips - Speed relative to conditions (video)

Driving Smart in Bad Weather, gives you important pointers on handling all these weather changes.

Cool Solution (video)

	Truck News reports on a system to keep commercial trailer roofs free of snow and ice. (2 min 40s)
Source: Truck News

Winter Driving
Describes safety tips for you and your vehicle for winter driving.
Source: Transport Canada

Tips on Buying and Using Winter Tires

• Winter Tire Safety Tips
  Tire safety tips to help improve vehicle handling in winter conditions.
  Source: Transport Canada
• Winter Tires: All you need to know
  Source: Auto123.com
• Winter Tire Test (video)
  

  	Demonstration comparing winter and all-season tire performances in winter conditions. (8 min 59s)
  Source: Automobile Protection Association's channel, YouTube

Progress Through Partnerships

The benefits of a multi-stakeholder approach to improving winter driving safety are discussed in a new video produced by the B.C. Office of the Superintendent of Motor Vehicles. Play Video (4 minutes)

This video was originally presented at the 2011 annual general meeting of the Canadian Council of Motor Transport Administrators. For more information on the CCMTA please visit: http://www.ccmta.ca/english/index.cfm. For more information on the OSMV please visit: http://www.pssq.gov.bc.ca/osmv/.

Articles

• Brian Turner, The Vancouver Sun, "All-season vs. winter tires: Know what you're buying", November 16, 2010
• Bob McHugh, Canwest News Service, "How to handle winter's worst weather: Planning and preparation are the keys to staying alive", January 7, 2010

News Releases

Whether you drive for work or leisure, make safe driving one of your new year's resolutions., January 9, 2013, BCAA Road Safety Foundation & WorkSafeBC

Don't let winter road conditions catch you buy surprise, November 1, 2012, BCAA Road Safety Foundation

ICBC urges Lower Mainland drivers to slow down in fall and winter weather November 1, 2012, ICBC

Community Support for Shift Into Winter

"I appreciate the work you and your partners have done on this winter information campaign. I love the visual impact of these posters, very B.C. and real. My primary role at the School District is Occupational Health and Safety for all our staff. I've been using the information and links on your web page to provide awareness to our 3000 employees to ensure we are ready to meet our service requirements in the K to 12 schools in Richmond. With the prediction on a severe winter this year, there has been lots of interest in being properly prepared, many of my site safety committee have been asking for this type of information. Your campaign is very timely has answered my need. Thanks again and please keep up the great work."

Gail Townsley, CRSP, Health and Safety Officer, School District #38 (Richmond)

The Winter Driving Safety Alliance Partners
Shift into Winter is a joint provincial initiative supported by organizations committed to improving the safety of drivers during the winter months.

• BC Forest Safety Council
• BC Road Builders (Highway Maintenance Contractors)
• BCAA Road Safety Foundation
• BC Trucking Association
• Insurance Corporation of BC
• Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure
• Pacific Coach Lines
• RCMP
• Trucking Safety Council of BC
• WorkSafeBC

If you are interested in becoming a member of the Alliance, contact Anita Deiter at or (604) 786-9566.

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