ICBC and police urge drivers to slow down in winter conditions
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As winter weather approaches, poor driving conditions in the Southern Interior region aren’t far behind. ICBC and local police are urging everyone to slow down and drive safely. The regional campaign includes enhanced speed enforcement, community outreach presentations and advertising in communities across the province.
“This year, ICBC is investing $1.36 million for speed-related initiatives province-wide to prevent crashes, injuries and save lives,” ICBC’s director for road safety, Nicolas Jimenez announced. “When you slow down you see more of the road, giving you extra time to prepare for any unpredictable conditions winter throws your way.”
On average (2004-2008) in the Southern Interior region, the number of casualty crashes due to driving too fast for conditions more than triples in December compared to October – approximately 140 crashes in December as compared to approximately 39 in October.
“Driving at an unsafe speed in winter conditions is the cause of too many senseless deaths and injuries in this region. If a hefty fine can make a driver think twice about speeding, then we just might save a life. That’s why we’re stepping up enforcement in the area,” said RCMP Cpl. Mike Pears, Central Interior Traffic Services, “and the faster you go, the more you’ll pay.”
Fines for speeding range from $138 to $483. Drivers who have one or more excessive speeding convictions on or after January 1, 2008, will also pay a Driver Risk Premium (DRP), which is separate from insurance premiums. In addition to fines, drivers who speed can also face a variety of sanctions, including driving prohibitions.
ICBC urges people to make smart driving choices this winter, and offers a number of tips to keep everyone safe on our roads:
· Slow down, especially on wet roads, in bad weather conditions or uneven roads. Consider driving below the posted speed limit. Allow at least four seconds of following distance between vehicles in bad weather or uneven roads.
· Prep your vehicle for winter. Invest in new winter tires and wipers, pack an emergencykit, top up fluids to avoid freezing, and frequently check tire pressure – tires deflate in cold weather.
· Stick a toonie in your tire. If the tread doesn’t hit the gold centre of the toonie, it’s time to speak to a tire expert about new winter tires.
· Plan ahead and give yourself extra time for possible delays that may occur, due to inclement weather. Check www.drivebc.ca for road and weather conditions.
For more information and tips, visit www.icbc.com.
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