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In case of emergency while driving

Last updated on August 31, 2026

Unexpected situations can occur when you are driving. Knowing what to do is an important part of being prepared.

 If you require immediate assistance from the police, fire or ambulance, pull over and call: 911

  • Cell phone service may be limited in some areas
  • 911 is the emergency services phone number for most B.C. communities
  • If you’re travelling in an area without 911 coverage, add local emergency numbers to your contacts
  • Bring an emergency kit
  • Paper maps are a good back-up if your phone runs out of power or you lose service

Natural disasters

EmergencyInfoBC  shares current and verified safety information during emergencies. For trusted information when it matters most:

Avalanche

If an avalanche blocks the highway, try to turn around and drive to a safe area. If you can't, remain in your vehicle with your seat belt on, call 911, and await assistance. Learn more about travelling in an avalanche area,

Flooding

Did you know that it only takes two feet of water to carry away most vehicles? Stay clear of rushing water and never try to drive through it. Get prepared for floods.

Wildfire

Drive to a safe place, pull over and call 1-800-663-5555 or *5555 on most cellular networks. Report a wildfire.

Earthquake

Move the car out of traffic and stop. Avoid parking under or on bridges and overpasses. Get prepared for an earthquake.

Tsunamis

If you are travelling in coastal B.C., know your tsunami notification zone. Get prepared for a tsunamis.

Disaster response routes are designated for use by emergency personnel and are not for use by private vehicles during an emergency. If you are on a disaster response route during an emergency, leave the route as soon as possible to make way for first responders.

Reporting a roadside event

When reporting an incident take note of details like:

  • Location
  • Extent of the problem
  • If anyone is impacted or injured
  • License plate number
  • Vehicle description
  • Driver's description

n an emergency, if it is safe to do so, pull over and call 911. This includes:

  • A downed power line
  • Natural gas smell (rotten eggs)
  • Driver behaviour
    • Impaired or erratic driver
    • Road rage
    • Hit-and-run
    • Accident

To report a spill call: 1-800-663-3456 

To report debris, rocks, roadkill, wildlife or signs blocked by trees on the highway use: 

Know before you go

Plan your route and find out about current road conditions and closures that could impact your travel.