Reduce your risk travelling on busy long weekend

VICTORIA — It's up to drivers and passengers alike to ensure they reach their destinations safely on what is traditionally one of the busiest and deadliest weekends of the year on B.C. roads, Public Safety Minister John van Dongen cautioned as the Victoria Day long weekend approaches.

"For too many British Columbians, a May long weekend of fun with family and friends is shattered by a police officer's knock at their door," said van Dongen. "I want to join police and other road-safety partners in stressing that crashes are preventable, and that no matter how well you drive, you and your passengers need to take basic steps to protect yourselves."

The Victoria Day long weekend is traditionally among the busiest and deadliest on B.C. roads and highways. According to ICBC's statistics for last five years, typically four people die and 530 people are injured in nearly 1,600 crashes on B.C. roads over the three-day weekend, with crashes costing ICBC and its customers more than $14 million in claims. Between 2003 and 2007, the average numbers of crashes and injuries over the weekend, by region, were:

• Fraser Valley: 420 crashes, 170 injuries.
• Greater Vancouver: 600 crashes, 190 injuries.
• North/Coast: 100 crashes, 20 injuries.
• Southern Interior: 240 crashes, 70 injuries.
• Vancouver Island: 220 crashes, 80 injuries.

"In recognition of the increased danger the long weekend presents, we will be out in force with additional officers targeting unsafe speed and aggressive and impaired drivers," said Insp. Norm Gaumont, RCMP Traffic Services.

Solicitor General van Dongen, police and ICBC urge B.C. motorists to:

• Plan a safe way home, such as a designated driver or taxi, if your weekend activities will involve alcohol. Remember that impairment begins with the first drink, and that drugs – including prescription drugs – can affect your ability to drive safely. Impaired driving remains the top criminal cause of death in Canada, with 28 per cent of fatal crashes associated with impaired driving.
• Buckle up. Seatbelt use is the single most effective step you can take to protect yourself from death or serious injury in a collision. Last year, the fine for not wearing a seatbelt increased to $167 from $138, and drivers can be fined $598 for operating their vehicle with more passengers than seatbelts.
• Slow down and stay calm. Speed and aggressive driving are among the main causes of fatal crashes.
• Plan ahead, keeping in mind that congestion or construction may add to your travel time.
• Keep distractions to a minimum. Place calls before you leave and pull over to check maps.
• Leave plenty of space between your vehicle and the one ahead of you.
• Watch for motorcycles. Drivers need to recognize there are more riders on B.C. roads every year, particularly in spring and summer.

"Over the long weekend we are asking drivers to do their part by driving safely to make our roads safer," says ICBC road safety director Nicolas Jimenez.

A month-long speed and high-risk driving awareness and enforcement campaign by ICBC and police continues. Launched April 29, it includes enhanced speed enforcement and advertising in communities across the province.

Contact:
Cindy Rose
Ministry of Public Safety and Solicitor General
250 356-6961

Doug Henderson
ICBC Corporate Communications
604 982-1332, 604 786-2579(cell)

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