Changes to B.C. winter tire laws?
A RCMP traffic expert is looking to the province of
B.C. to change the laws that govern winter road equipment.
“I think it’s enough of a safety issue that I can’t in good conscience drop it,” said Staff Sgt. Steve Frayne.
Frayne says the accident north of Kamloops Wednesday that claimed a family of four is evidence more can be done to save lives on B.C. roads.
Frayne calls the signs on BC highways that require winter tires or to carry chains “ridiculous”.
“It’s no help to us whatsoever,” said Frayne, who notes the provincial law cited on the sign lets drivers carry chains and drive on any type of tire, including summer grade rubber.
“You can use a terrible all season tire that’s just about bald and if you have chains in the trunk, you are complying with this sign,” he said.
The SUV carrying the family near Barriere was driving on all seasons tires.
While Frayne says it’s not certain if the family would have survived if they had winter tires, it would have given them a better chance of staying straight on the icy road.
A recent fatal crash on Highway 1 near the Rogers Pass is another example of poor tires, according to Frayne.
The vehicle was driving on nearly bald winter tires, with only 1.5 mm tread left.
Acceptable tread is 3.5 mm minimum.
The law stipulating winter tires or to carry chains is in effect from October 1 to April 30 on all numbered highways in B.C. outside of the Lower Mainland.
The law does not apply inside municipal boundaries.
And despite what some visitors believe, out-of-province vehicles are not exempt from road equipment laws.
Frayne continues to meet with ICBC and the provincial government to see that the law is changed to help save more lives.
“Those signs have to mean something,” said Frayne. “If you're coming into the interior of this province, it’s some of the worst driving conditions in Canada. We have the highest highway passes in Canada and we don't have a law that is effective. That's going to keep people safe and that's what it's all about.”
Minister of Transportation Blair Lekstrom was not available for comment and ministry communications staff did not offer CHBC News any other comment on Frayne’s request for changes to the law.
“I think it’s enough of a safety issue that I can’t in good conscience drop it,” said Staff Sgt. Steve Frayne.
Frayne says the accident north of Kamloops Wednesday that claimed a family of four is evidence more can be done to save lives on B.C. roads.
Frayne calls the signs on BC highways that require winter tires or to carry chains “ridiculous”.
“It’s no help to us whatsoever,” said Frayne, who notes the provincial law cited on the sign lets drivers carry chains and drive on any type of tire, including summer grade rubber.
“You can use a terrible all season tire that’s just about bald and if you have chains in the trunk, you are complying with this sign,” he said.
The SUV carrying the family near Barriere was driving on all seasons tires.
While Frayne says it’s not certain if the family would have survived if they had winter tires, it would have given them a better chance of staying straight on the icy road.
A recent fatal crash on Highway 1 near the Rogers Pass is another example of poor tires, according to Frayne.
The vehicle was driving on nearly bald winter tires, with only 1.5 mm tread left.
Acceptable tread is 3.5 mm minimum.
The law stipulating winter tires or to carry chains is in effect from October 1 to April 30 on all numbered highways in B.C. outside of the Lower Mainland.
The law does not apply inside municipal boundaries.
And despite what some visitors believe, out-of-province vehicles are not exempt from road equipment laws.
Frayne continues to meet with ICBC and the provincial government to see that the law is changed to help save more lives.
“Those signs have to mean something,” said Frayne. “If you're coming into the interior of this province, it’s some of the worst driving conditions in Canada. We have the highest highway passes in Canada and we don't have a law that is effective. That's going to keep people safe and that's what it's all about.”
Minister of Transportation Blair Lekstrom was not available for comment and ministry communications staff did not offer CHBC News any other comment on Frayne’s request for changes to the law.
© Shaw Media Inc., 2012. All rights reserved.
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