It’s almost winter tire season, and that means businesses need to stay in line to ensure their employees are safe on the road during the coming months of snow, fog and rain. The Winter Driving Safety Alliance reports that only 19% of BC employers with employees who drive for work provide winter driving training. Furthermore, only 38% of bosses had a bad weather driving policy. More than 39% of all work-related accidents in the province that result in injury and absenteeism occur between November and February, according to WorkSafeBC statistics. Accidents are the leading cause of work-related injury deaths in BC, which is why the alliance launched its annual Shift into Winter campaign. “Winter is Mother Nature’s ultimate road test,” spokeswoman for the Trace Acres campaign said in a press release. “Conditions such as freezing temperatures, rain, snow, black ice and reduced daylight hours can present serious challenges for all drivers, regardless of their experience.” The campaign begins Oct. 1, the same day the province requires vehicles to use winter tires on most highways. Employers should be aware that they are legally responsible for the safety of their employees when they drive to work. “Most accidents are preventable,” Acres said. “The best way for employers to help keep people safe and meet their responsibilities is to start preparing for winter now and plan ahead. Waiting until the first storm hits is too late.” More information about the Shift into Winter campaign, as well as a course for employers to attend, is online here. Everyone who completes the course and an exit survey by December 16 will be entered into a drawing for a gift certificate for a set of winter tires donated by Kal Tire.
