Dramatic spike in speed-related crashes in December
VANCOUVER, Oct. 21 /CNW/ - ICBC and police are reminding drivers to slow down and adapt their driving speed to fall and winter road conditions.
In the Lower Mainland, the number of casualty crashes due to driving too fast for conditions increases by over 40 per cent in December compared to October.
"Wet road conditions are main factor of speed-relative crashes in the Lower Mainland," said Jon Schubert, ICBC's President and CEO. "Unfortunately, many drivers don't adjust their speed and recognize that the posted speed limit is only for ideal or dry road conditions."
At Richmond's Silver City parking lot today, ICBC and the Justice Institute of B.C.'s driving instructors demonstrated how various driving speeds affect the time it takes to stop on wet roads. It was clear - the faster you go, the longer it will take you to stop. And in poor weather conditions, it will take even longer.
Police were also on hand to remind drivers of the consequences of speeding in B.C.
"If you are caught driving too fast for the road conditions, you will be fined $167," said Superintendent Mike Diack, RCMP. "As the weather changes and road conditions deteriorate, your chances of getting into a crash and being injured or killed dramatically increase."
"We can all help make our roads safer by making smart driving decisions," said Jon Schubert. "That means allowing more time for travelling in wet weather and slowing down so you can see more of the road."
In addition to slowing down, ICBC is encouraging drivers to ensure their windshield wipers are in good working order and their tires are inflated at the correct pressure and appropriately rated for the weather conditions in their driving area.
ICBC invests in road safety awareness campaigns and police enforcement activities to promote smart driving behaviour and help save lives. Take the ICBC drive smart challenge at icbc.com/drivesmart.
At ICBC, we're committed to our 3.1 million customers and their safety on the road. We license and insure drivers and vehicles across the province through our service centres, plus a network of more than 900 independent brokers and government agent offices. Claims customers are served through local offices and our award-winning Dial-a-Claim call centre. We add value to B.C. communities - our road safety investments help create safer roads, lead to fewer crashes, and help keep our rates stable. To find out more, visit icbc.com.
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Media contacts: Kate Pasieka, 604-240-7404
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