It seems not every vehicle on the road is properly equipped for winter driving, and not every driver should be behind the wheel.
Police in West Kelowna teamed up with Commercial Vehicle Enhancement Safety officers last week to conduct a road check of vehicles heading up the Okanagan Connector.
More than 200 vehicles heading west on 97C near the Paradise Valley turnaround were pulled over and checked and, what they found may, or may not, surprise you.
West Kelowna Staff/Sgt. Duncan Dixon says of those vehicles pulled over, 21 were turned around and sent back into the valley for tire-related violations.
Dixon says these include worn-out or bald tires, and the lack of winter tires.
Winter tires are required for travel on all mountain passes from Oct. 1 to March 31.
Numerous other tickets were issued under the Motor Vehicle Act, including those for brake issues, not having a driver's licence, and driving contrary to conditions.
“Our mountain passes can be extremely dangerous places to travel through in the winter,” says Dixon.
“Not ensuring that your vehicle is road-safe puts yourself, your passengers and everyone around you at risk.”
