Resolve to relax: ICBC survey reveals patience is B.C. drivers’ top resolution for 2026

January 02, 2026

British Columbians are steering their New Year’s goals toward the road. According to a new ICBC survey* fielded through the Angus Reid Forum, showing more patience behind the wheel is the top resolution for 2026, shared by 42% of drivers who are interested in making a driving goal.

This desire for a calmer driving experience runs deep—so much so that many drivers say they’d give up everyday comforts for a stress-free commute. Nearly one-third of commuters (30%) would give up social media for a day, followed closely by dining out or food delivery (29%), online shopping (25%), and even coffee (20%).

Two-thirds of B.C. drivers (66%) are interested in setting a driving-related goal for 2026, with nearly one-quarter (24%) highly interested. Beyond patience, popular resolutions include combining errands to save gas and time (36%), improving fuel efficiency through better driving habits like smoother braking and acceleration (28%), leaving earlier to be less rushed (35%) and simply to be less stressed while driving (31%).

Environmental goals rank lower among B.C. drivers interested in setting goals, with 17% aiming to drive less to reduce their carbon footprint, 9% planning to switch to an electric vehicle, and 6% intending to carpool more often. However, active transportation is more popular—one-quarter (25%) plan to walk or cycle more, and 13% say they’ll take public transit more frequently, with men more likely than women to make this change (18% versus 9%).

“Driving is part of everyday life for many of us, and these resolutions show that B.C. drivers are serious about making it safer and less stressful,” said Kathleen Nadalin, ICBC road safety manager. “Simple actions like putting your phone away or having more patience can go a long way toward improving safety for everyone.”

Safety for drivers and their passengers is the biggest motivator for drivers with these resolutions (50%), followed closely by stress reduction and mental health (47%). Financial savings (37%) and setting a good example for family (28%) also rank high.

Most drivers (76%) believe that if everyone made a driving resolution, our roads would be safer. In fact, 42% think it would make B.C. roads “much safer.” The top change drivers believe would improve safety? Eliminating distractions—24% say staying focused on the road, and 21% say putting devices away would make the biggest impact.

More survey details  are available in a summary.

Bottom line: many B.C. drivers are ready to make 2026 a year of safer, calmer driving. Whether it’s having more patience or putting the phone away, if drivers follow through on these resolutions, it could make a real difference on B.C. roads.

*Survey conducted by ICBC from December 3rd to December 5th, 2025, among a representative sample of 701 online adult British Columbian drivers who are members of the Angus Reid Forum. The survey was conducted in English. For comparison purposes only, a probability sample of this size would carry a margin of error of +/-3.46 percentage points, 19 times out of 20.