ICBC and Police launch high-risk driving campaign across BC

Numbers concerning high-risk driving not only in the Bulkley Valley but the entire province have concerned BC officials.

In 2016, 330,000 crashes were recorded in BC, which roughly adds up to 900 per day.

The cost for said accidents and injury claims are a stifling $3 billion dollars annually.

“We’re at a point today where the number of crashes across our province, and the number of claims we’re receiving, are growing by the thousands every year. We can all do our part by slowing down to make roads safer and save lives,” says Lindsay Matthews, ICBC’s acting vice-president responsible for road safety.

ICBC, police and the B.C. government are tackling the issue through the launch of a month-long campaign urging drivers to slow down.

Police will be targeting speeders during the month of May, including a province-wide enforcement blitz on May 19th.

ICBC will be working with Speed Watch volunteers, who will also be set up in BC communities to encourage drivers to slow down.

The campaign also includes radio advertising and social media.

“Speeding, failing to yield and unsafe lane changes are high-risk driving behaviors that put everyone at risk. Drivers have to be responsible for their actions, pay attention and focus on driving. Police will be out in full-force across the province this month looking for drivers who feel the rules don’t apply to them.” says Chief Officer Neil Dubord, Chair of the B.C. Association of Chiefs of Police Traffic Safety Committee.

Between 2012-2016, it was recorded that nearly 23 people are killed every year in North Central BC from crashes involving high-risk driving.

“The hopes are to educate the public,” says ICBC road safety and community coordinator for North Central BC Doug MacDonald.

“Traffic is steadily picking up in the Bulkley Valley so rather than speed somewhere, give yourself enough time to get to your destination in a safe manner.”

Additional information on safe driving can be found here.