With winter on the way, the Insurance Corporation of British Columbia is encouraging drivers to slow down.
An average 25 people are injured or killed each October in North Central B.C. and that nearly doubles to 46 in December as driving conditions worsen, according to the province's automobile insurer.
What's more, seven out of 10 speed-related crashes in B.C. are caused by driving too fast for the road conditions, such as in rainy, icy or snowy weather.
With those numbers in mind, ICBC is urging motorists to adjust their driving to the looming road conditions by giving themselves more time to reach their destinations, not only to prevent collisions with other vehicles but with pedestrians and cyclists too.
"With the arrival of darker, poor weather at this time of year in northern B.C., it can be difficult for drivers to see pedestrians on the road," said ICBC road safety director John Dickinson.
"Drivers need to keep a sharp eye out for others - especially at intersections, near transit stops and even on roads without sidewalks."
Pedestrians need to do their part too, Dickinson added.
"Always make eye contact with drivers and never assume a driver has seen you."
Here are some additional tips from ICBC's to help you stay safe this winter:
- Make sure your wipers are in good condition and increase your following distance to at least four seconds when it's raining or snowing heavily so that you have time to stop if you need to.
- Make sure your tires are rated for the conditions you may be driving in and check your tire pressure regularly - pressure drops in cold weather and overinflated tires can reduce gripping.
- Consider alternatives to get to work safely - take transit, work from home or adjust your hours of work to avoid rush hour traffic.
- If you're travelling to an area you're not familiar with, check the road conditions for your entire route so you can prepare your vehicle for the weather you may encounter. Check drivebc.ca.
- Many highways in B.C. require drivers to use winter tires or chains from October 1 to April 30. Visit the Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure's website for further information.
For more information on driving safely go to ICBC.com.
