B.C.'s early February snow dump had a notable effect on the number of ICBC claims filed – and the Surrey and Langley areas were no exception, as, predictably, the snowfall contributed to greater chaos on the roads.
According to figures released by the corporation, B.C. saw a 40 per cent spike in claims overall on Sunday, Feb. 2, while Surrey and Langley posted notable increases.
The figures show that reported ICBC claims jumped to 332 in Surrey on Feb. 2, almost doubling the average for the seven days preceding that date. In Langley, there were 107 claims filed that day, a major increase over an average of 62 for the preceding week.
Overall there were 1,399 claims filed in B.C. on Feb. 2, with a further 1,369 on Feb. 3.
A poll of drivers taken by Ipsos for ICBC in November revealed that a majority of B.C. drivers (60 per cent) feel nervous driving in winter conditions. More Metro Vancouver drivers (64 per cent) feel nervous compared with drivers in the rest of B.C. (55 per cent).
The November poll also revealed that more than a third of B.C. drivers (38 per cent) had not put winter tires on their vehicles, citing reasons varying from winter conditions not being severe enough, to the cost of winter tires and a general policy of avoiding driving in snowy or icy conditions.
ICBC urges drivers to consider putting on winter tires as part of a plan of preparatory maintenance of vehicles throughout the season, along with planning a route, and checking for road conditions and possible closures prior to travelling.
When on the road, drivers are urged to reduce speed, increase following distance and anticipate turns, stops and lane changes well in advance.
It is also suggested that drivers be wary of black ice commonly found in shaded areas, on bridges and overpasses and in intersections. Snowplows should not be passed on the road, as they may have 'wing' blades on either side that may not be visible due to sprayed snow and ice.
