Winter has arrived and the changing weather can make driving a little more hazardous, so this is a great time to think about road safety. Everyone should take the time to make sure their vehicle is ready for winter, and begin leaving a little more space between their car and the one in front of them when driving on icy roads.
At the provincial level, a review of safety and speed limits on rural highways began last week. This will include both a technical review and a public consultation, so that the Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure has the best information available as it considers safety improvements for our highways. The review will look at which highway corridors should be considered for speed limit changes, what should count as a slow vehicle and where slow vehicles might be of concern, and how we can improve safety in areas where there is a chance of colliding with wildlife.
Road safety is important for everyone, so I hope many of you will take the time to participate in the public consultation. There are lots of ways to participate, including submitting feedback online, attending a regional public forum, or participating in a Twitter Townhall on Dec. 17. That day, from 7 to 8 p.m., Transportation Minister Todd Stone will be available on Twitter, where you can ask him questions and share your thoughts on the Rural Highway Safety and Speed Review.
In addition to the technical review and the public consultation, the Ministry of Transportation will also get input from ICBC, the police, the Union of BC Municipalities, and other important stakeholders. Once it is complete, the review will give us practical recommendations for improving highway safety and a strategy for their implementation.
While we wait to see the results, remember to plan ahead and drive safely this winter!
Coralee Oakes is the MLA for Cariboo North and is the Minister of Community, Sport and Cultural Development.