ICBC and police asking drivers to watch their speed this long weekend

May 18, 2022

As drivers hit the road this Victoria Day long weekend, ICBC and police are asking drivers to watch their speed. On average, 480 people are injured and three people are killed in 1,800 crashes throughout the province over Victoria Day long weekend.*

Police are conducting a province-wide enforcement blitz this long weekend to target speeders as part of this month's campaign.

Speeding increases your risk of crashing and remains the leading cause of car crash fatalities in B.C. with eight people, on average, killed in crashes involving speed every month from May through September.

ICBC's top tips for a safe long weekend road trip:

• Be realistic about travel times to reduce your risk of crashing. Plan your route and check road conditions at drivebc.ca before you leave.

• Regular posted speed limits are a maximum speed set for ideal road and weather conditions. Slow down on wet roads, in bad weather conditions, or on uneven roads and increase your following distance to at least four seconds.

• Don't speed up as someone is trying to pass you. Help the other driver get back into your lane by adjusting your speed to allow a safe gap for them to move into.

• Avoid any distractions that take your mind and eyes off the road. Distracted driving is one of the most common causes of crashes so remember to leave your phone alone.​

Regional statistics*:

• On average, over the Victoria Day long weekend, 340 people are injured in 1,200 crashes throughout the Lower Mainland.

• On average, over the Victoria Day long weekend, 62 people are injured in 270 crashes on Vancouver Island.

• On average, over the Victoria Day long weekend, 63 people are injured in 270 crashes throughout the Southern Interior.

• On average, over the Victoria Day long weekend, 20 people are injured in 120 crashes throughout the North Central region.

*Five year annual average. Crash and injury data is ICBC data (2016 to 2020). Fatality data is police data (2015 to 2019). Victoria Day long weekend is calculated from 18:00 the Friday prior to Victoria Day to midnight on Victoria Day.