With risky winter road conditions on the horizon, the province, police and ICBC are asking drivers to slow down and help prevent fatal accidents.
Their speed awareness campaign was launched at a press conference Thursday. Those involved hope to raise awareness about the risks of speeding in winter road conditions through enforcement and education.
“Speeding continues to be the leading cause of crashes and fatalities in B.C.,” said Vancouver police Insp. Les Yeo. “With bad weather and poor driving conditions around the corner, drivers need to slow down, stay alert and stay in control of your vehicles.”
The Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure is reminding drivers that police and speed-watch volunteers will be out across B.C. looking for speeders.
“If you are caught, you will face consequences,” said Minister Mary Polak.
According to the Ministry, crash statistics worsen along with the weather.
Each October nearly 150 crashes each causeing injury or death in B.C. are due to people driving too fast for road conditions. In December, that number reaches nearly 300 crashes.
Fiona Temple from ICBC road safety said risky road conditions are not just ice and snow – in the Iower Mainland and Vancouver Island, it’s primarily wet roads that contribute to the increase in crashes.
“We’re urging drivers across the province to prepare for the weather ahead, and adjust their driving behaviour to the conditions they encounter,” said Temple.
Polak said the upcoming two weeks following Sunday’s daylight savings time can be dangerous as well, resulting in up to 10 per cent more crashes than usual.
Tips for safe winter driving, as well as current road conditions, can be found on the Drive BC website.
