Messy roads lead to a spike in calls at ICBC claim centres

ICBC’s call centres were busier than usual on Monday.

Cold temperatures and snowfall across the region meant icy and dangerous road conditions.

ICBC spokesperson Joanna Linsangan said people simply drive too fast in the snow.

“When crashes do happen, more often than not it’s people who overestimate their ability to drive in the snow…people drive too fast,” Linsangan said.

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WATCH: (Aired Feb. 8, 2017) Winter driving tips

5:01 Winter driving tips

“Yesterday we received 4,090 calls through our claims centre, which is about a 4.5 percent difference from the Monday previous.”

Linsangan said avoiding the roads is the best option.

“If you don’t have to drive, stay at home, or if you can, work from home. If you have to do errands, try and save those for another day.”

If you have to drive, ICBC advises to leave plenty of room between cars.