Winter tyres not mandatory in B.C., but insurers suggest you use them

ERJ staff report (DS)

Vancouver, Canada -- The Insurance Corporation of British Columbia has said that winter tyres are not compulsory in British Columbia -- Canada's Westernmost Province -- but that it recommends their use in snowy conditions, particularly if for those who live in an area where you would normally expect a lot of snow.

The insurer said, "Drivers are always responsible for ensuring their vehicles are properly equipped for road conditions, just like ensuring your wipers and headlamps are working well on dark and rainy nights. Driving without winter tyres will not void your insurance in the event of a claim or mean that you are automatically at-fault for a crash. If you get in a crash where winter tyres could have helped, it may be a deciding factor in determining whether or how much you are at-fault."

The group added, "Winter tyres alone are not enough - drivers need to make smart driving decisions and adjust their driving to the road conditions. In winter weather, drivers should allow more time for travelling and most importantly, slow down and keep your distance from other vehicles so you can see more of the road."

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Press release from ICBC