Cold conditions can still result in Black ice: File photo KDG

The highways system makes winter tires required from October 1st to March 31st , this is to even be on some roads ( high altitude subject to changing conditions). These roads are posted with signs and there is a fine no matter what the present conditions are as you travel . The fine:($121.00) for unmarked proper tires of 3.5 mm of tread.

VICTORIA – With winter quickly approaching, the Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure would like to remind motorists that beginning today, Oct. 1, 2014, winter tires are required on many highways throughout the province.

Signs are posted on each of the designated highways to advise motorists where winter tires are required. These are generally located approaching high mountain passes and interior highways where conditions can change from rain to snow very quickly.

Maps showing which roads require winter tires can be found on the ministry’s web page at:
http://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/transportation/driving-and-cycling/driving/traveller-information/seasonal/winter-driving/winter-tires-and-chains/winter-tire-and-chain-up-routes

As a result of the technical analysis completed during the Rural Highway Safety and Speed Review, winter tires have been defined as those labelled with either the winter mountain/snowflake symbol or the mud and snow (M+S) designation. Winter tires must also be in good condition with a minimum tread depth of 3.5 mm.

There is also a new time frame that winter tires are required on the high mountain passes. The new time frame is October 1 to March 31 (it previously was October 1 to April 30).

The ministry encourages drivers to always drive to the road conditions and choose the best tires possible. Tires with the winter mountain/snowflake symbol provide the best level of traction and safety in severe snow and ice conditions. Source BC govt.

So what about where it is not posted as required at all times? In our opinion from time and experience if you are driving in your small town and have an accident and conditions contribute to it then you will be held responsible perhaps as seriously as not having used required care and attention.
This can make you at fault and hurt severely. Here’s the rule accidents happen for a reason and someone will apply it to any use of a motor vehicle, to a fault. You may have good all season radials and they work, however over night lows are going below -8 Celsius this week and next and our subjective experience tells us that snow is solid as compact and black ice can be a problem. These conditions are different then slushy watery snow.
All these weather conditions are a challenge to be addressed, good luck and be aware… Watch and beeeeeee winter smart….

On this Day: November 19th 1847
The second Canadian rail line, is opened, the Montreal to La-chine line.