ICBC and police launch campaign aimed at the leading cause of fatalities​​

May 05, 2021

Every year, 81 people are killed in speed-related crashes, making speed the number one cause of car crash fatalities in B.C.*

That's why ICBC and police are launching a month-long campaign focusing on speed and urging drivers to slow down.

While British Columbians are asked not to travel outside their health authority in order to help slow the spread of COVID-19, drivers still need to be mindful of their speed.

Small changes in speed can have a significant impact: an increase of just one km/h in average speed results in an increase of three per cent of crashes resulting in injury and four to five per cent increase for fatal crashes.**

Police will be targeting speeding and other high-risk driving behaviours during May. Speed Watch volunteers will also be set up in B.C. communities to remind drivers of the speed they're travelling.

The campaign includes new education digital advertising and social media, as well as enforcement radio ads.

For tips and other facts, visit icbc.com.

Quotes:

Chief Constable Neil Dubord, Chair of the B.C. Association of Chiefs of Police Traffic Safety Committee

“Those who chose to speed excessively, change lanes aggressively, tailgate, disobey traffic lights and signs are willingly putting themselves and the public at risk for serious injury or death. In May, police agencies and road safety partners across B.C. are using all available resources, including Intersection Safety Cameras and targeted approaches, to prevent deadly driving behaviours and remove high-risk drivers from our roads."​

Lindsay Matthews, ICBC's Vice-President Public Affairs and Driver Licensing

“Speeding really doesn't get you there any faster but increases your chances of crashing. When you slow down, you see more of the road and have more time to react to the unexpected. We can all do our part by slowing down to make our roads safer and save lives."

Regional statistics*:

• On average, 27 people are killed every year in the Lower Mainland from speed-related crashes.

• On average, 13 people are killed every year on Vancouver Island from speed-related crashes.

• On average, 27 people are killed every year in the Southern Interior from speed-related crashes.

• On average, 15 people are killed every year in North Central B.C. from speed-related crashes.

*Police-reported data, five-year average from 2015 to 2019. Speed includes unsafe speed, exceeding speed limit, excessive speed over 40km/h, and driving too fast for conditions.

**Save Lives – A Road Safety Technical Package, World Health Organization (2017), p. 15