If you’ll be travelling over Labour Day long weekend, ICBC is asking you to share the road and do your part to drive safely.
Every Labour Day long weekend, approximately four people die and 600 people are injured in 2,100 crashes throughout the province.*
The key to sharing the road safely is staying focused on driving and looking out for road users around you. Avoid distractions which will take your eyes off the road and your mind off driving. Police across B.C. are cracking down on distracted drivers as part of this month’s enforcement and education campaign.
Top 4 tips:
1. If you find it difficult to take a break from your phone while driving, turn it to silent and keep it out of reach and out of sight. You can help keep your family and friends safe by not texting, calling or answering if you know they’re behind the wheel.
2. Allow at least two seconds of following distance between vehicles in good road conditions, and at least three seconds on high-speed roads. Increase your distance when you’re following a large vehicle such as an RV (it can block your vision) or a motorcycle (it can stop quicker than a car).
3. With trucks and RVs, keep clear of their blind spots. When following, you should be able to see both mirrors of the RV or truck in front of you. If you’re behind a slow moving RV or truck climbing up a hill, leave extra space and be patient as they’re probably trying their best to keep up with the flow of traffic.
4. Check road conditions at DriveBC.ca before you leave. Be realistic about travel times and accept delays that may arise. Don’t rush to make up time – slow down to reduce your risk of crashing and arrive at your destination safely. You also save fuel by driving at a steady speed.
Regional statistics over Labour Day weekend:
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On Vancouver Island, on average, 72 people are injured in 310 crashes every year.
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In the Southern Interior, on average, 70 people are injured in 320 crashes every year.
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In the North Central region, on average, 20 people are injured in 110 crashes every year.
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In the Lower Mainland, on average, 440 people are injured in 1,300 crashes every year.
Source: ICBC
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