Driving Tips to Help Enjoy BC Day, Eh?

Did you know that the Province of BC has been celebrating its wonderful self since 1974?

It was felt, (by the Honourable Ernie Hall – then Provincial Secretary under then Premier Dave Bennett), that “British Columbia, like every other province, could benefit and should have a holiday around August 1.” The holiday was dedicated to the pioneers who built the province of British Columbia and has become one of the most anticipated (and busiest) weekends of the year.

If you are travelling across our beautiful province this weekend, expect increased traffic. It is almost guaranteed that everyone else and their dog will be hitting the highway in search of some well deserved R and R along with you so be prepared for waits and remember to bring lots of water because it could be a hot one, where you end up.

To help, we have come up with a list of driving tips that will see you get to your destination.

• Plan ahead. Get the information you need and Know Before You Go.
• Prepare your vehicle. Here are a few things to check before leaving on a driving holiday.
• Buckle up. Make sure everyone in the vehicle has their seatbelt on, it’s the law!
• Be extra patient and careful. Long weekends are prime vacation time, and BC is a beautiful province with a wonderful variety of scenery. Always remember that other motorists and cyclists around you may not be familiar with the route.
• Don’t forget, it’s not just cars that can suffer from overheating. If you’re going on a long drive, be sure to take along something to drink and keep hydrated. Bring some sunscreen too, as it’s easy to get burned on long, sunny drives. Finally, the warmer weather can cause fatigue to set in quickly. If you start to feel drowsy, find a rest stop, pull over and take a moment or two to stretch your legs and get some fresh air.

So, if you have a road trip in your future this weekend, plan ahead. A plan will go a long way toward saving you time, trouble, and reducing stress. Take a moment to check DriveBC for up to the minute road conditions and current construction projects. Remember, summer is also construction season, so go slow in the cone zone and help everyone enjoy their long weekend.

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