ICBC and police launch high-risk driving campaign

May 01, 2018

High-risk driving behaviours, like speeding, increase your chances of crashing. In 2016 alone, there were 330,000 crashes in B.C. – that's 900 crashes per day. And the number of crashes and claims have been growing steadily over the years.

On top of that, the costs of those claims are ballooning and injury claims costs alone are now close to $3 billion a year.

These numbers are not sustainable. One way ICBC, police and the B.C. government are tackling the issue is through ongoing road safety. May 1 marks the launch of a month-long campaign urging drivers to slow down.

Police will be targeting speeders during the month of May, including a province-wide enforcement blitz on May 19.

ICBC will be working with Speed Watch volunteers, who will also be set up in B.C. communities to encourage drivers to slow down.

The campaign also includes radio advertising and social media.

High-risk driving behaviours, like speeding, distracted driving and running red lights, are a concern for all demographics of drivers. Everyone has a part to play in keeping our roads safe—if we want everyone else to drive smart, we first need to start with ourselves.

Learn interesting facts, get tips and more on icbc.com.

Quotes:

Chief Officer Neil Dubord, Chair of the B.C. Association of Chiefs of Police Traffic Safety Committee

"Speeding, failing to yield and unsafe lane changes are high-risk driving behaviours that put everyone at risk. Drivers have to be responsible for their actions, pay attention and focus on driving. Police will be out in full-force across the province this month looking for drivers who feel the rules don't apply to them."

Lindsay Matthews, ICBC's acting vice-president responsible for road safety

"We're at a point today where the number of crashes across our province, and the number of claims we're receiving, are growing by the thousands every year. We can all do our part by slowing down to make roads safer and save lives."

Regional statistics*:

• On average, 43 people are killed every year in the Lower Mainland from crashes involving high-risk driving.*

• On average, 16 people are killed every year on Vancouver Island from crashes involving high-risk driving.*

• On average, 42 people are killed every year in the Southern Interior from crashes involving high-risk driving.*

• On average, 23 people are killed every year in North Central B.C. from crashes involving high-risk driving.*

* Averages based on police-reported data from 2012 to 2016.

High-risk driving includes speeding, failing to yield right of way, following too closely, ignoring a traffic control device and improper passing.

Media contact:

Lindsay Olsen
604-982-4759