Driving Forest Roads

These procedures are the minimum standard that applies to all active forest roads within British Columbia that are maintained for industrial use.

DRIVE DEFENSIVELY – EXPECT THE UNEXPECTED

KNOWN HAZARDS

  1. Excessive Speed
  2. Extreme dust, fog, or smoky conditions
  3. Failure to follow traffic control procedures
  4. High traffic volumes
  5. Passing other vehicles
  6. Soft shoulders
  7. Narrow roads
  8. Reduced traction with road surface
  9. Freezing rain or snow
  10. Uncontrolled non-industrical users
  1. Drivers must be fully licensed for the vehicle being driven.
  2. All traffic must drive on the right-hand side of the road (i.e. always assume that someone is approaching even if you cannot see them or hear their radio call).
  3. Drivers shall slow down for oncoming traffic, when passing a stopped vehicle or when meeting road maintenance equipment.
  4. All “UP” direction traffic will allow all “DOWN” direction traffic the unobstructed clearance to pass safely (see “Radio Calling” (Page 3) for UP/DOWN details).
  5. Vehicles or equipment over 11’ 6” (3.5 metres) wide must be radio-equipped and operate with headlights and safety flashers on.
  6. Drive at a safe speed with headlights and taillights on. Be aware of road conditions and drive accordingly. Obey all posted speed limits and other road signs.
  7. All drivers and passengers must wear seatbelts. Seatbelts save lives!
  8. There must be no loose articles in the vehicle cab that could become potential projectiles in a sudden stop or rollover. Such items must be stowed away or tied down.
  9. All accidents and “near misses” must be reported within 24 hours to the appropriate supervisor and the primary permit holder.
  10. Vehicles must not stop on haul roads except at a safe passing point or a turn out. In case of a breakdown, flares or reflectors must be utilized and other road users informed. If parking in a turnout, ensure you leave enough room for other vehicles to still use it.
  11. Never pass any vehicle without notifying them on the radio and receiving the “OKAY”. The lead vehicle is responsible for slowing down, providing room and advising the passing vehicle when it is safe to pass.
  12. All vehicles operating for industrial purposes must have two-way radios equipped with appropriate frequencies (only one two-way radio per vehicle).
  13. “Radio Calling Procedure” is to be followed at all times.

These procedures are the minimum standard that applies to all active forest roads within British Columbia that are maintained for industrial use.

These procedures are courtesy of the Okanagan Timber Supply Area Road Safety Group.