As if the news of summer being over isn't bad enough, looks like parts of BC is already starting to snow.  Well, so much for the Fall season; might as well start playing the Christmas music and skip Thanksgiving and Halloween altogether.  Whether you blame global warming or you believe it's a weather anomaly, experts are calling it a continuation of La Niña which is described as, "a cold event."  This event, according to the National Ocean Service, brings a colder winter in the Northwest.

It is probably a safe bet to make that this winter is going to be COLD so make sure your vehicle is in tiptop shape to avoid any problems with worsening road conditions.  If we have a longer and colder winter, we can expect to see more pot-holes, more damage to tires, more salt damage to vehicle parts and increased wear and tear on the overall life of our vehicles.  Schedule a time to get your tires changed to winter tires in advance because this season is going to be a pretty busy one.  Chances are, if you're in the thick of snowfall, you probably won't get an appointment to get your tires swapped out so be the early bird.

Remember to drive slow, maintain more distance from the car in front and pump your brakes rather than applying full pressure.  Locking your tires by fully compressing your brakes will cause your car to skid while it struggles for traction.

For all your towing needs in this coming winter season, look no further than R M Towing!

BE SAFE!

Well, of course it's included!  What do you think distracted driving means?  If you thought it was purely cellular phone use while driving as the only definition of distracted driving, you're incorrect.  Obviously anything that impedes you from safe operation of a vehicle, for example, hands are tied up, then that would constitute distracted driving.

On top of the hefty $368 fine (not sure who comes up with these exact fines), you will also be handed down a 6 point deduction on your license.  These 6 points allots to a 300 dollar annual premium (www.icbc.com/driver-licensing/tickets/Pages/Driver-Penalty-Points.aspx) so when you get insurance, expect to pay more.  Make sense because if you're unsafe, you better pay more to get insured (not that money discourages bad behavior).

Be sure to keep these things in mind when you're on your commutes leisure or occupational.  These days, with the availability and supply of drive-thrus, getting snacks is super convenient so getting caught doing this has become much easier.

​Be safe out there!

If you're still not aware, the end of August also marks the end of the tolls on Golden Ears & Port Mann Bridge.  This will no doubt help with the traffic coming into Pitt Meadows and Maple Ridge as it opens up new routes to take.  Not to mention, going to Richmond through Highway 17 is more convenient now instead of the old route of going through New West just to avoid the toll bridge.

Don't forget to pay your outstanding tolls as anything before August 31st, 11:59pm is still counted towards your bill.

And lastly, don't forget to drive safe!