Drivers are being encouraged to use caution over the Thanksgiving long weekend - whether they're travelling to visit family or staying local.
On average, 22 people are injured in 130 crashes in the North Central region during the weekend each year, according to Insurance Corporation of British Columbia. For B.C. as a whole, 580 people are injured and three people are killed in 1,900 crashes every year.
Distracted driving, impaired driving and speed are the top three contributing factors in these crashes, ICBC says.
The insurer is offering the following tips for drivers who will be heading out on the road:
- Weather is unpredictable and varies greatly at this time of year. If you'll be travelling, snow, sleet, rain, hail, ice and fog are just some of the challenging fall conditions you should be prepared for on B.C. roads. Check road and weather conditions at drivebc.ca before your trip.
- As of October 1st, vehicles must have winter tires on many B.C. highways including parts of Vancouver Island, Highway 99 to Whistler, and most highways in the Southern Interior and northern B.C.
- Prepare your vehicle by making sure your tires are properly inflated and in good condition, headlights and taillights are in working order, and keep wiper fluid topped up for clearer visibility. It's also important to prepare for the unexpected by keeping an emergency kit in your vehicle with items like warm clothing, food, water, blankets and more.
- Wildlife are on the move during the fall. Watch for wildlife warning signs – they're posted where animals are most likely to be on the road. Be very alert at dusk or dawn when animals are most likely to be on the road. If you see wildlife on or near the road, slow down and use caution so you have time to react if needed.
- Posted speed limits are for ideal road conditions. When driving on snow, ice, slush or in rain or fog, slow down. Allow yourself at least twice the normal braking distance on wet or slippery roads.
- Distracted driving is a top contributing factor in crashes this long weekend. Keep your mind and eyes on the road at all times. Program your GPS before you head out for your trip and leave your phone alone.
