Whether you’re heading out for a camping trip or visiting family, the B.C. government, police and ICBC are asking you to give yourself plenty of time and focus on the road this long weekend.
Every year over the May long weekend, an average of two people are killed and 490 injured in 1,700 crashes throughout B.C.
Police will be targeting all high-risk driving behaviours this long weekend including failing to yield, speeding, following too closely and ignoring a traffic control device, as part of this month’s high-risk driving campaign. These driving behaviours contribute to almost half (44 per cent) of all police-reported crashes that result in injuries or fatalities on our roads.
ICBC tips:
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Think ahead: If you’ll be taking a road trip, check the road and weather conditions for your entire trip at drivebc.ca before you head out. Even if the roads look clear, be realistic about your travel times since there will be more vehicles on our highways. Plan rest stops every couple of hours to avoid becoming fatigued while driving.
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Get your vehicle ready: Long trips can be hard on your vehicle, so make sure it’s up to the drive. It’s a great time of year to give your vehicle a good check-up. Remember to check your engine oil, washer fluid and lights. Take a look at your tires too, including the spare, to make sure they are in good condition and properly inflated.
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Watch out for vulnerable road users: Warmer spring weather encourages more motorcyclists, cyclists and pedestrians on our roads. We all need to share our roads together safely. As a driver, we have a particular responsibility to help keep vulnerable road users safe so actively watch for other road users and make eye contact with them so they know that you see them.
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Keep your distance: Whether you’re going on a long or short trip, always maintain a safe travelling distance between vehicles. Allow at least two seconds of following distance in good weather and road conditions, and at least three seconds on high-speed roads or if you’re behind a motorcycle since it has a much shorter stopping distance.
For more tips, please visit icbc.com/road-safety.
Want to learn more about ICBC’s Autoplan Insurance?
ILScorp has added four new ICBC Autoplan Essentials courses, now included in the General Insurance subscription and the Adjuster subscription at no extra cost.
These courses teach the skills and processes necessary to sell Autoplan Insurance in BC. Courses include:
- Autoplan Essentials – Introduction to Autoplan Processing
- Autoplan Essentials – License Plates and Decals
- Autoplan Essentials – VIC Codes
- Autoplan Essentials – Liability
These new continuing education courses are accredited in BC, AB, SK and MB. These courses were written for ILS and are presented by Maurice McFadden.
