British Columbia Driving Rules
British Columbia is known for its extreme weather – such as the Vancouver Olympics, the 2017 wildfire crisis, the winter storms, and the flooding of the Fraser River in 2013. Due to the severity of the weather, driving safety is of utmost importance, especially during the rainy season. Driving safety during rainy season is particularly important for motorists and cyclists, since rain can be very hazardous on roads, with slippery roads, poor visibility, and adverse road conditions.
Driving safety during the rainy season means using extra caution while driving in the rain, especially in the mountainous areas. Moreover, British Columbians should be especially mindful of their surroundings and aware of their surroundings while driving during the rainy season.
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Driving rules in the rain
Driving in the rainy season requires extra precautions. Below are some tips for drivers to ensure that they have a safe drive.
Pay attention
Pay attention when driving. Don’t be on your phone, especially when driving through fog, rain, or snow. The fog and snow can conceal hazards that are more dangerous in the dry weather, such as slippery roads, rocks, and deer.
Use brakes and lower your speed
Before a rainstorm, check your brakes and your speedometer. If you see that your vehicle is not accelerating or braking as much as before the rain, it is advisable to slow down, especially if there are high-speed roads or traffic congestions. For example, if your car does not seem to be accelerating as much as it did before the rain, it may be time to lower your speed.
Allow ample space between you and other vehicles
When it is raining, motorists should consider taking up more space between themselves and the vehicles around them, especially if there are high-speed roads or traffic congestion. For example, if your car does not seem to be accelerating as much as it did before the rain, it may be time to lower your speed.
Use windshield wipers and headlights
When driving during rain, drivers should also remember to use their windshield wipers and headlights. Drivers are required to turn on headlights when windshield wipers are in motion, and drivers may also need to use windshield wipers. In addition, drivers should be aware of visibility, which should be 100 feet (30 meters) or more.
Avoid drinking and driving
Drivers should not drink alcohol while driving. Also, drivers should also not drive after taking drugs or even sleeping, which will impair their senses and their ability to drive. If driving after taking drugs or sleeping, drivers must inform a driver before driving.
Avoid driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs
Drivers who drive under the influence of alcohol or drugs are liable to a fine, penalty points, or even their license being suspended. Such driving is dangerous because it increases the chance of an accident. In case of an accident, drivers must ensure that they are sober and can understand what is going on around them. It is always advisable to seek professional help when dealing with alcohol-related driving accidents.
Driving with passengers in the rain
When driving with passengers in the rain, it is advisable for the passengers to wear the necessary protective equipment, such as raincoats, umbrella, and goggles, so that they can get soaked in case the vehicle crashes.
Always wear your seat belt
Seat belts are a must while driving in the rainy season. As drivers approach a curve, they should always check whether their vehicle is moving too quickly to safely negotiate the curve. The driver may want to avoid that curve, especially when it is raining, if the road is slippy, or if there are potholes or other obstacles on the road.
Remember that motorcycles are not allowed on the roads during rainy season. Drivers are also advised not to use their vehicles in the rainy season, especially if driving on a high-speed road.
The Insurance Corporation of B.C. offers these driving safety tips for motorists:
- Drivers should not speed or drive distracted while driving in the rain.
- Do not drink alcohol or take drugs while driving in the rain.
- Do not drive distracted. Never text or use your mobile phone while driving.
- Watch for potholes or road conditions in the rain before driving.
- Turn on headlights when windshield wipers are in motion.
- Turn on headlights when visibility is low.
- Be cautious when driving on high-speed roads or congested areas when the roads are wet and slippery.
- Don't use cruise control when driving in the rain.
- When driving in the rain, remember to brake early and be prepared to stop.
- In heavy rain, if possible, drivers should stop at a secure place and wait for the rain to stop.
- Drivers should not drive if the windscreen is foggy. The driver should call a local tow truck immediately and they should not stop or park on the road during a heavy downpour.
- Drivers should also not drive with their high-beam headlights on during a heavy downpour.
For more information on
driving safety, please visit the Insurance Corporation of British Columbia
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