Every year, 82 people are killed in speed-related crashes, making speed the number one cause of car crash fatalities in B.C.
Nineteen of those fatalities are inNorth Central B.C.
That’s why ICBC, government and police are launching a new month-long campaign focusing on speed and urging drivers to slow down.
Speeding is a concern for all road users, not just drivers. Research shows that if a pedestrian is hit by a passenger vehicle at 40 km/h, 90 per cent of pedestrians would survive. However, that number drops to 50 per cent survival rate if the collision occurs at 80 km/h.
According to provincial statistics, 117 people die, on average, every year in B.C. crashes involving high-risk driving. Injuries and death that result from high-risk driving behaviours can be prevented, and it all starts with the person behind the wheel.
“Driving is a complex, divided attention task and there are several easy things drivers can do to reduce risk to themselves, their families and other motorists,”
said Cpl. Mike Halskov of BC RCMP Traffic Services. “First, slow down, obey speed limits, wear your seatbelt, drive defensively, drive sober and free of distractions.”
Police will be targeting speeders during May and Speed Watch volunteers will also be set up in B.C. communities to remind drivers of their speed.
The campaign includes radio advertising and social media.
ICBC is also working together with government to upgrade 35 existing intersection safety cameras to identify and ticket speeding drivers.
- High-risk driving behaviours include, but are not limited to:
- Excessive Speed
- Driving without Due Care and Attention
- Driving without Reasonable Consideration
- Use of Electronic Device while Driving
- Emailing or Texting while Driving
- Following too closely
- Ignoring traffic control devices
- Improper passing; an
- Racing/Stunting.
“Driving over the speed limit really doesn’t get you there any faster, and instead increases your chances of crashing,” said Lindsay Matthews, ICBC’s Vice-President Public Affairs. “When you slow down you see more of the road and it gives you more time to react to the unexpected. We can all do our part by slowing down to make roads safer and save lives.”