RCMP warn Kelowna drivers to slow down on slippery roads

KELOWNA – The latest snowfall has turned some Kelowna roads into skating rinks as city crews work to deal with the icy conditions today, Jan. 4.

RCMP are urging drivers to slow down and adjust their driving to the winter conditions.

"Slow down and drive safe, our roadways may be slippery due to the weather conditions,” Const. Jesse O’Donaghey says in a media release. “Avoid sudden starts and stops, abrupt lane changes or turns during icy conditions. Doing so can cause you to end up in the ditch.”

O’Donaghey is also asking motorists to slow down and move over when passing stopped emergency vehicles, which include police cars, fire trucks, ambulance and tow trucks. You face a fine of $173 for not doing so.

If you are planning to drive on one of the province’s highways which require the use of winter tires, and you don’t have them, the RCMP can hand you a $109 tickets, he says.

All you need to know about winter tires in B.C. can be found at ICBC’s website.

For the latest highway conditions in the province check out the Drive B.C. website.

To contact the reporter for this story, email Adam Proskiw at aproskiw@infonews.ca or call 250-718-0428. To contact the editor, email mjones@infonews.ca or call 250-718-2724.