If you've seen a number of accidents or dangerous driving in the north-central region, especially Prince George, there are stats to prove just how bad it is.
Data released from ICBC for 2016 shows that Prince George is home to nine out of 10 of the top dangerous intersections in an area that includes Dawson Creek, Fort St. John, Kitimat, Masset, Prince Rupert, Quesnel, Smithers, Terrace, Vanderhoof and Williams Lake.
The following intersections are listed with the highest number of crashes to the lowest:
- Prince George - Domano Blvd and Hwy 16 W & Tyner Blvd & Turning Lane: 49
- Prince George - Ferry Ave & Hwy 16 W: 45
- Prince George - Hwy 16 W and Hwy 97 S & Turning Lane: 39
- Prince George - Cowart Rd & Hwy 16 W & Vance Rd: 30
- Prince George - 15th Ave & Hwy 97 S: 29
- Williams Lake - Hwy 20 & Mackenzie Ave S: 27
- Prince George - 15th Ave & 15th Ave Frtg & Ospika Blvd: 27
- Prince George - Massey Dr and Westwood Dr: 25
- Prince George - Foothills Blvd and North Nechako Rd: 24
- Prince George - 15th Ave & Patricia Blvd & Victoria St: 24
The numbers exclude crashes that happened in parking lots or involved parked vehicles.
Overall in 2016, speed accounted for 30 per cent of fatal crashes in B.C. while impaired driving was 22 per cent and distraction was 28 per cent (that includes exceeding speed limit, excessive speeding over 40 km/h and driving too fast for conditions.)
There were 20 fatal crashes in the north-central region caused by speed; another 20 were caused by alcohol, drugs or medication. Thirteen fatalities involved distracted driving.
Meanwhile, high-risk driving (including failing to yield to the right of way, following too closely, ignoring a traffic control device and improper passing and speed) accounted for 23 crashes involving a fatality.
There were 12 deaths in 2016 due to driving too fast for conditions alone.
