Keep your eye on the speedometer while travelling B.C.'s highways this long weekend.
On average, 20 people are injured in 120 crashes throughout the North Central region over the Victoria Day long weekend, according to Insurance Corporation of British Columbia.
"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 added in an advisory issued Wednesday.
With that in mind, police will be patrolling the province's major thoroughfares, the insurer warned, and issued the following tips for a safe 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.
