On the Victoria Day long weekend, with many people planning trips across B.C., police and ICBC are working together to warn drivers about the risks of speeding.
“This long-weekend you can expect to see our officers continue to focus on dangerous and unsafe driving behaviours, including removing impaired drivers from our roads,” said Maple Ridge RCMP. “Stay safe, be responsible, and make good choices behind the wheel so that everyone can arrive safely at their destination.”
Police will be visible throughout B.C. this long weekend, with increased enforcement focused on excessive speeding and other high-risk driving behaviours to keep our roads safe for everyone. Last Victoria Day long weekend, police issued more than 2,800 speeding tickets throughout the province.
“Slowing down is the simplest way you can stay safe and avoid a crash,” said Kathleen Nadalin, ICBC road safety manager. “It gives you more time and control to react if something unexpected happens. This long weekend, slow down, stay focused and give yourself extra travel time so we can all enjoy a safe long weekend.”
Over Victoria Day long weekend, on average, 379 people are injured in 1,402 crashes in the Lower Mainland every year. The top contributing factors in police-reported crashes over Victoria Day long weekend are distraction/inattention followed by impairment and speed.
“Speeding doesn’t just increase the likelihood of a crash — it increases how severe that crash will be,” said Cpl. Michael McLaughlin, BC Highway Patrol. “That’s why officers will be highly visible this long weekend targeting drivers travelling at dangerous speeds, particularly on busy travel routes where speeding puts everyone’s lives at risk.”
Excessive speeding is more than 40 km/h over the posted limit and can result in fines, penalty points and immediate vehicle impoundment.