Last December saw nearly 800 crashes each day in B.C. with over 1500 in the North Central region, a news release from Road Safety At Work says.
Road Safety At Work, which runs a Shift into Winter campaign as part of its goal to help B.C. employers improve the safety of workers when they drive for work has tips for how drivers can stay safe on the roads. One of the key things that affects drivers' ability to safely travel is the hustle and bustle of the holiday season.
“Rushing to your destination while driving might seem like a way to save time when you’ve got a lot to do, but it greatly increases the risk of a crash," said Trace Acres, program director for Road Safety at Work in the release. "Slowing down and giving yourself extra time is one of the best ways to help ensure you and your loved ones travel safely this holiday season."
Other challenges like changing weather conditions and how they impact the road, fewer hours of daylight and stress in day-to-day life can increase fatigue and lower drivers' reaction times. Between those challenges and increases in traffic as people do shopping for the holidays, collisions are at their worst in winter.
Drugs, alcohol and using phones while driving are other major hazards that cause collisions.
“The holidays can create a lot of stress, which can affect our driving decisions,” said Acres.
ICBC statistics show that December has had the most crashes of any winter month over the last five years.
100 Mile House had 25 crashes in January, February, November and December of 2023, Williams Lake saw 114, Quesnel had 136, there were 10 in Barriere and nine in Clearwater in that time frame, the ICBC statistics page says.
As part of its national Safe Driving Week December 1 to 7, Road Safety at Work has tips to help drivers keep themselves and all road users safe as we get into the colder months:
- Avoid driving when conditions are poor. They may worsen in an hour or two.
- Know before you go by checking DriveBC.ca for road conditions and weather updates.
- Leave more space between your vehicle and the vehicle in front of you, so you have more time to react to other drivers.
- Use winter tires even if you’re in an area with little snow. They provide better traction in cold temperatures and on slippery roads.
- Leave your phone alone.
- Be fully rested before long drives. Fatigue can be as dangerous, especially on dark, icy roads.
- Take extra care in busy parking lots, especially after dark.
“We all share the responsibility for making BC’s roads safer during the holiday season,” says Acres. “Our friends and family members want us home to celebrate with them.”
For more tips on safe winter driving, visit ShiftIntoWinter.ca.
