Average of 2,200 crashes every Thanksgiving weekend in B.C.

Photo: ICBC

Drivers are urged to be prepared if they plan to head out onto B.C. highways this Thanksgiving long weekend.

Historically, it's the most dangerous of the long weekends in B.C. with an average of 2,200 crashes, nearly 700 people injured and four killed, according to ICBC.

Winter tires or chains are now mandatory on all mountain highways. Winter tires are labelled with either the mountain/snowflake symbol or the mud and snow (M&S designation).

Also, make sure your tires have adequate tread and are properly inflated.

Here are some further tips from ICBC:

• Plan your route ahead of time. Check weather and road conditions on drivebc.ca before you get behind the wheel. Take long weekend traffic into account and allow extra time to get to your destination.
• Put your phone away. Focus on the road, minimize distractions and pay attention to your surroundings.
• Watch for pedestrians and cyclists. Daylight steadily decreases with each passing day in October and it can be difficult to see pedestrians and cyclists, especially around intersections.