Every year in November, an average of 25 people are injured or killed in crashes in the North Central region of British Columbia due to driving too fast for the conditions.
That number nearly doubles to 46 in December as driving conditions worsen.
That’s why ICBC and police launched a speed awareness campaign urging drivers to prepare for the challenges of driving in the fall and winter and to adjust their driving to the road conditions.
“Safety is our top priority and we want drivers in the North Central region to be prepared for the rapidly changing weather conditions we experience at this time of year,” says Todd Stone, Minister of Transportation and Infrastructure.
“Whether it’s your daily commute or a trip out of town, give yourself extra travel time so you aren’t rushing and always check drivebc.ca before heading out so you can prepare for the road conditions you’ll encounter.”
Even in the best conditions, driving requires your full attention,” says Suzanne Anton, Attorney General and Minister of Justice.
“This is even truer when you’re on the roads in poor weather. When you drive too fast in wet, icy or snowy conditions, it’s harder to react to the unexpected.”
Seven out of 10 speed-related crashes in B.C. are caused by driving too fast for the road conditions, such as in rainy, icy or snowy weather. Throughout November, police and Speed Watch volunteers across B.C. are asking drivers to slow down and adjust their speed for the conditions.
“In the North Central region, drivers often encounter dark, icy weather at this time of year,” says Chief Const. Jamie Graham, chair of the Traffic Safety Committee of the British Columbia Association of Chiefs of Police.
“Don’t be foolish and think you don’t need to adjust your driving for the conditions. Slow down, increase your following distance and give yourself plenty of time to get to your destination. Posted speed limits are for ideal driving conditions only.”
With the arrival of darker, poor weather at this time of year in northern B.C., it can be difficult for drivers to see pedestrians on the road,” says John Dickinson, ICBC’s director of road safety.
“Drivers need to keep a sharp eye out for others – especially at intersections, near transit stops and on roads without sidewalks. Pedestrians need to do their part too – always make eye contact with drivers and never assume a driver has seen you.”
Here are ICBC’s tips to help you stay safe this fall and winter:
• Ice and snow can hit unexpectedly. Early in the season, make sure your tires are rated for the conditions you may be driving in and check your tire pressure regularly – pressure drops in cold weather and overinflated tires can reduce gripping.
• When heavy winter conditions arrive, consider alternatives to help you get to work safely – take transit, work from home or adjust your hours of work to avoid rush hour traffic.
• Heavy rain can seriously reduce visibility and make road surfaces more difficult to stop on. Make sure your wipers are in good condition and increase your following distance to at least four seconds, so you have time to stop if you need to.
• If you’re travelling to an area you’re not familiar with, it’s important to check the road conditions for your entire route, so you can prepare your vehicle for the weather you may encounter. Many highways in B.C. require drivers to use winter tires or chains from Oct. 1 to April 30. Visit the Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure’s website (th.gov.bc.ca) to see if they’re required for your route and learn how to properly use chains.
Visit the speed relative to conditions campaign page on icbc.com for more information.
