Kelowna

Photo: Contributed - Courtney Haines

Shannon Ridge Drive becomes a skating rink as nine cars are stuck on the road

Accidents are being reported all around the city as the first real snowfall blankets the city. Up  and down the valley motorists are reporting poor driving conditions.

On Shannon Ridge Drive there are nine vehicles jammed together completely blocking traffic. RCMP have now blocked off the street.

Photo: Contributed - Shea Cosgrove

SUV flips on Westside Rd. Wednesday Nov. 16

"It's crazy! Like a chain reaction, one person hit someone then they hit someone and now everyone is stuck. It's a real mess," says Courtney Haines, who lives on Shannon Ridge Drive.

Also In West Kelowna there are several reports of vehicles in the ditch along Gellatly Rd. and most side streets are sheets of ice.

Reports are coming in of a bus in the ditch by Walmart in West Kelowna and a police car was in need of a tow.

On Westside Rd. a Ford R anger flipped over on its side, the driver was not hurt.

"The driver had just been heading back home from getting his winter tires as you can see in the picture his summer tires are laying in the ditch. it didn't take long for help to arrive," says Shae Cosgrove.

Stephanie Ostash says, "I was driving on Reece and I saw these two woman in a car in a ditch. They asked what they should do so I told them to stay in the car and wait for help."

The snow is very wet and this is causing a lot of problems for vehicles, especially on steep grades.

"I felt the road with my hands and it was just ice under the snow," says Ostash.

Photo: Contributed - Tayana Klassen

Slippery conditions caused this truck to jacknife. creating a multi-vehicle accident.

 Here are drive B.C. tips for winter driving:

1. Maintain a safe following distance. It takes longer to stop on a slippery road. Look ahead and keep plenty of distance between you and other cars (at least four seconds).
2. Drop your speed to match road conditions. The posted speed is the maximum speed under ideal conditions. In winter, it is safer to drive below the posted speed. No matter how much experience you have, the way your car will move on snow or ice always has an element of unpredictability.
3. Watch for black ice. Slow down when approaching icy areas such as shaded areas, bridges and overpasses as these sections of road freeze sooner than others in cold weather. Watch for “black ice”, a thin, almost invisible coating of ice, as it can cause your vehicle to suddenly lose traction, braking and cornering control.
4. Accelerate and brake slowly. When starting from a stop on slick roads, start slowly and accelerate gradually to maintain traction and avoid spinning your wheels. When stopping, plan well in advance, apply the brakes gently and slowly add pressure rather than braking suddenly. Avoid sudden moves. Slow down and steer smoothly and gradually to avoid skidding. Accelerate gently, turn slowly, and brake carefully and early. Avoid unexpected quick movements that could put you in a spin. Anticipate turns, stops, and lane changes well before they occur.
5. Know how to handle a skid. A skid happens when your wheels slide out of control on a slippery surface and is a result of driving too fast for road conditions. If you start to skid, ease off the brake or accelerator, look and steer smoothly in the direction you want to go. Be careful not to oversteer. If you are on ice and skidding in a straight line, step on the clutch or shift to neutral.
6. See and be seen. It is critical for drivers to see and be seen in low light conditions, and when blowing snow impairs visibility. Always drive with your headlights on.
7. Be extremely cautious when approaching highway maintenance vehicles such as snow plows and salt or sand trucks. Maintain a safe following distance. These vehicles throw up snow and spray, making it difficult to see.

If you have photos of any accidents please send them to news@castanet.net