Dozens of people continue to die in speed-related crashes on B.C.’s roads, according to stats released by ICBC Friday.
“We have put in place significant fines, automated speed enforcement and seven-day vehicle impoundment. Yet police continue to catch irresponsible people driving at ridiculous speeds,” B.C.’s Public Safety Minister Mike Farnworth said in a statement. “It’s not just frustrating – it’s deadly. All drivers in the province need to respect other road users, including cyclists and pedestrians. Slow down.”
ICBC and police agencies around the province launched a month-long campaign Friday to stop drivers speeding on B.C.’s roads.
Throughout the month, police will be targeting speeding drivers with increased enforcement, including fines and vehicle impoundment. Speed-reader boards will also be set up on the roads to encourage drivers to slow down.
According to ICBC, reducing a driver’s average speed by just five per cent can decrease a driver’s risk of a fatal crash by 30 per cent.
“Speeding is one of many high-risk driving behaviors that puts all road users in danger. Slowing down is a simple way to avoid crashing, causing injury or worse,” Supt. Dale Carr with BC Highway Patrol, on behalf of the BC Association of Chiefs of Police said in a statement. Police will be out in full force across the province this month looking for high-risk drivers with an additional focus on speeding drivers.”