BC’s motorists say they are not good drivers – do you agree?

Most of the drivers surveyed admitted that they were some of the worst in the nation

Insurance News

By Lyle Adriano

A recent survey found that the majority of B.C.’s motorists have admitted to being the worst winter drivers in the nation, taking very little action toward preparing for severe weather.

The BCAA study, conducted by Insights West, found that 32% of the B.C. drivers surveyed said that there is no need for them to prepare for winter driving because they do not consider themselves to be a good driver. Another 31% said that they will not prepare until it actually start snowing, and 31% do not think the province is slated to experience terrible weather.

“Call it overconfidence or denial but, based on our data and in my experience, too many British Columbians, especially in the Lower Mainland, don’t think about winter driving until it’s too late,” said BCAA senior manager of automotive operations Stu Miller. “Winter weather can create unpredictable road conditions anywhere and at any time, which can turn out to be challenging for even the most experienced driver.” 

The survey suggests that drivers may be taking risks by being dishonest with themselves about their own driving skills or comfort level during winter driving. The report’s results noted that B.C. drivers, while expressing confidence, can be nervous when driving in poor conditions; this has exposed a contradiction in their own self-assessments. About two-thirds (64%) of the surveyed drivers claim that although they are experienced winter drivers, they get nervous. Almost half (45%) said that they are experienced drivers but terrible at driving in winter conditions.

Forty-seven percent (47%) of the drivers said that they become nervous at the prospect of driving in snow, but drive anyway. A third of the surveyed admitted that they tend to “freak out” when having to drive in winter conditions. Alarmingly, more than 60% have said that they will not stay off the roads during poor winter conditions.

In addition, 71% of the B.C. drivers surveyed said that winter driving is not a concern for them, since it “doesn’t snow much where they live.” Miller, however, warned that snow is not just the only hazard winter can bring to motorists.

“Sleet, icy roads, heavy rainfall, cold temperatures and more hours of darkness—this is a season of weather hazards at every turn and with half of drivers not even checking the weather before heading out, it’s concerning,” Miller explained.

What is your opinion – who are the worst drivers in the nation? Is there a notable difference between provinces or is it impossible to determine? Leave a comment below with your thoughts.


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