We at the Tribune/Weekend Advisor wish everyone a fun and very safe long weekend along with the ICBC caution to take care when you are driving.
ICBC reports that over the B.C. Day long weekend, on average, five people are killed and 530 injured in crashes across the province.
Fifty of these crashes are a result of impaired driving.
The B.C. government, police and ICBC are asking drivers heading off on road trips this weekend to make smart choices and warning that CounterAttack roadchecks will be set up across the province to keep impaired drivers off our roads.
ICBC’s top tips for road trips this weekend:
Most crashes this weekend occur on Friday so plan to leave on Thursday or Saturday morning if possible to avoid traffic congestion and possible delays.
You should also make sure you get a good night’s sleep to avoid getting fatigued behind the wheel. Plan your route on drivebc.ca and include rest breaks or switch drivers every two hours.
Do a pre-trip check and check your engine oil, coolant levels and lights, and inspect your vehicle tires, including the spare, to make sure they’re in good condition and properly inflated.
Make sure any camping or outdoor equipment is securely tied down to your vehicle before you take off.
Summer means a high number of motorcyclists on our roads so it’s vital to scan as you approach an intersection. Be ready to yield the right-of-way when turning left and keep in mind that it can be hard to tell how fast motorcyclists are travelling.
Be patient with R.V. drivers if they’re travelling below the speed limit in mountainous areas as they’re likely going uphill as fast as they can.
If you’re driving your RV this weekend, be courteous and pull over when it’s safe to do so to let others by.
This is much safer than a driver making an unsafe pass out of frustration.
If you’re away from home, you may not be familiar with all of the options available to get home safely after you’ve had a few drinks.
Check your options such as taxis, transit or shuttle services before you head out and program the information into your cell phone so you can relax knowing you have a plan to get home safely, ICBC concludes.
Other statistics:
•Over the B.C. day long weekend, on average, 340 people are injured in 1,200 crashes in the Lower Mainland every year.
• Over the B.C. Day long weekend, on average, 94 people are injured in 360 crashes in the Southern Interior every year.
• Over the B.C. Day long weekend, on average, 28 people are injured in 110 crashes in North Central B.C. every year.
• Over the B.C. Day long weekend, on average, 61 people are injured in 270 crashes on Vancouver Island every year.
• Five year annual average. Crash and injury data is ICBC data (2009 to 2013). Fatality data is police data (2009 to 2013). B.C. Day long weekend is calculated from 6 p.m. the Friday prior to B.C. Day to midnight on B.C. Day.