RCMP sends out reminder to public during winter driving season
By Lone Sheep Publishing
As snow piles up due to the recent winter snowstorms, local RCMP would like to send out a few reminders to drivers in the West Kootenay/Boundary region.
One concern is drivers parking vehicles in brake check pullouts along Provincial Highways.
“Recently the RCMP has received several complaints that vehicles are parking in brake check pullouts, preventing vehicles over 5500kg GVW from being able to stop and check their brakes, which is a safety concern,” RCMP said in an emailed statement.
“Vehicles over 5500 kg GVW are legally required to stop in these pullouts in order to check their brakes.”
RCMP urge drives to use these pullouts only in limited durations.
RCMP would also like to remind the public that drivers must slow down and move over when approaching an “official vehicle” with flashing lights stopped at the side of the road — not only for emergency vehicles with flashing lights but also authorized maintenance vehicles, tow trucks, etc.
“The flashing lights can be red, blue, white, or amber,” RCMP said.
“Drivers traveling in a 80km/h or faster speed zone must slow down to 70 km/h and drivers traveling in a less than 80 km/h speed zone must slow down to 40 km/h.”
RCMP said drivers can face a $173 fine for failing to slow down and move over for official vehicles in accordance with section 47.02 of the Motor Vehicle Act Regulations.
Nelson RCMP urges the public to drive with care by planning a trip and checking DriveBC for current road conditions.
As well all vehicles should have good winter tires with no tread less than 3.5 mm — even when driving a 4 X 4 vehicle.
