VICTORIA, B.C. — The province of B.C. is reminding truck drivers to chain up when conditions dictate and recommending they practice chaining up before having to do so on the side of the road.

Chaining is often required along the Coquihalla Highway at the Box Canyon chain-up zone. “This area receives some of the most unpredictable weather in the province and is close to a number of avalance zones,” the province reported in a truckers’ bulletin. “This chain-up zone becomes congested quickly and ensuring the safety of all highway users by keeping the avalanche zones clear of stopped traffic is a top priority.”

The provinces says drivers who do not immediately begin chaining up when stopped there will be either turned around or towed away. “There is to be no parking in the chain-up zones, aside from the time taken to actively install chains,” the bulletin warned.

The province also warns that learning on the job can be hazardous, especially during heavy snowfall. It advises drivers to practice chaining up in favourable conditions. Tips are provided here. The province has also created a useful video on how to chain up, which you can view here.