Every year it is the same message, yet every year, many drivers seem not to get the memo.
Last December 24,534 crashes were reported across the province, nearly 800 per day.
In the north-central region alone, with a much lower population density, 1,554 vehicle crashes were reported to ICBC in December.
What is the answer you might ask? It is the same old adage over and over, but one some drivers fail to follow: Slow down.
“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," says Trace Acres, program director for Road Safety at Work.
Nothing will slow down your shopping trip or daily commute more than a crash, and everyone on the roads deserves to get to their destination safely.
Driving too fast for the conditions is one of the major contributors to winter crashes.
"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," said Acres.
Road and weather conditions can change quickly, but the only part of the equation drivers can control is how they drive in those conditions.
The holiday season includes other factors which may contribute to driver error: fewer daylight hours; increased fatigue; holiday celebrations including alcohol or drugs; and increased phone use.
In addition, traffic can increase as more people drive to shop, visit, attend seasonal events, or as part of their job.
“The holidays can create a lot of stress, which can affect our driving decisions,” says Acres.
December has the most crashes out of any winter month, according to ICBC statistics from the past five years. WorkSafeBC reports work-related crashes also increase 26 per cent during the winter months.
Crash numbers in December 2023 for communities across the north:
- 100 Mile House: 27 crashes
- Burns Lake: 22
- Chetwynd: 32
- Dawson Creek: 78
- Fort St. James 10
- Fort St. John: 125
- Houston: 14
- Kitimat: 22
- Prince George: 469
- Prince Rupert: 42
- Quesnel: 88
- Smithers: 44
- Terrace: 83
- Vanderhoof: 48
- Williams Lake: 104
So what can a driver do to stay safe this December (and beyond)?
Well, here is a refresher on the basic expectations for drivers to help keep everyone safe, including yourself:
- 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 as impaired driving, especially on dark, icy roads.
- Take extra care in busy parking lots, especially after dark.
- Follow your organization’s safe driving procedures if you drive on the job.
“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.
