go2HR - Shift Into Winter | Driving Tips & Safety for BC Drivers

ResourceThompson Okanagan
Written By Thompson Okanagan Tourism Association
 

The Shift into Winter campaign is designed to raise awareness of the changing weather and driving conditions across B.C. and to remind drivers and employers to be prepared and plan ahead. In the tourism and hospitality industry, some occupations that involve winter driving include:

  • Delivery drivers (including dropping off rental equipment or providing a restaurant delivery service, for example)

  • Shuttle bus and taxi drivers

  • Snow plow and removal

  • Traffic and grounds management vehicles (parking attendants)

  • Emergency Transport Vehicles (ETVs) in some remote locations

When planning a work journey, consider the following tips to help keep drivers safe on the job:

  • Does the worker have to drive? Could the business be conducted online or in a different way?

  • Ensure drivers are aware of the risks they may be exposed to while driving, are trained, and have the equipment and supervision needed (including regular check ins) to keep themselves safe

  • Ensure driver checks the route and knows where they are going (avoid driving after dark)

  • Ensure vehicles are properly maintained and winterized, and have four winter tires that carry the 3-peaked mountain and snowflake symbol

  • Make sure drivers know when and how to safely and properly install chains or other approved traction devices

  • Equip vehicles with a winter driving emergency kit and emergency supplies

  • Train workers on your motor vehicle accident reporting procedure, should something happen

Don’t forget the commute to and from work:

Many workers regularly drive their own vehicles to and from work in varying weather conditions. This includes those who work at ski resorts or in parts of the province that are prone to harsh winter weather. To raise awareness about winter driving, consider the following:

  • Post signage in the workplace about winter driving tips, what an emergency kit should contain and other useful information

  • Have a working late policy (if they're one of the last to leave the mountain they should make sure someone knows when they leave and when they get to the bottom of the mountain, in case they get stranded on the way down.) 

  • Promote winter driving resources, including training and other information

Winter driving resources

Visit ShiftIntoWinter.ca for free information and tools associated with this campaign:

 
Thompson Okanagan Tourism Association
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