Sober, safe travel focus of long weekend enforcement

VICTORIA - Maximizing road safety is the goal as ICBC, police and the Province remind drivers of their responsibility for safe Canada Day weekend travel, Public Safety Minister John van Dongen cautioned today.

"A four-day weekend, which many people will be taking, compounds traffic volume and the risk you pose if you drive irresponsibly," said van Dongen. "There is no excuse for driving while impaired, racing or speeding, or not buckling up. People who engage in behaviours like these can expect to face some of the most severe penalties and fines in Canada."

According to ICBC's statistics for the past five years, on Canada Day alone, typically three people die and 165 are injured in nearly 595 crashes on B.C. roads. Between 2003 and 2007, the average numbers of crashes and injuries, by region, were:

• Fraser Valley: 150 crashes, 55 injuries.
• Greater Vancouver: 210 crashes, 50 injuries.
• North/Coast: 45 crashes, 10 injuries.
• Southern Interior: 100 crashes, 25 injuries.
• Vancouver Island: 80 crashes, 25 injuries.
• Other (due to inaccurate location details): 10 crashes, 0 injuries.

"We are stepping up drinking-driving and dangerous-driving enforcement through the summer months," said Insp. Norm Gaumont, RCMP Traffic Services. "Responsible road users can help us by reporting incidents of dangerous or suspected impaired driving - and help themselves by following at a safe distance and speed."

Solicitor General van Dongen, police and ICBC urge B.C. motorists to:

• Plan a safe way home, such as a designated driver or taxi, if your holiday activities will involve alcohol. Remember that impairment begins with the first drink, and that drugs - including prescription drugs - can affect your ability to drive safely. Impaired driving remains the top criminal cause of death in Canada, with 28 per cent of fatal crashes associated with impaired driving.
• Buckle up. Seatbelt use is the single most effective step you can take to protect yourself from death or serious injury in a collision. Last year, the fine for not wearing a seatbelt increased to $167 from $138, and drivers can be fined $598 for operating their vehicle with more passengers than seatbelts.
• Slow down and stay calm. Speed and aggressive driving are among the main causes of fatal crashes.
• Plan ahead, keeping in mind that congestion or construction may add to your travel time.
• Keep distractions to a minimum. Place calls before you leave and pull over to check maps.
• Leave plenty of space between your vehicle and the one ahead of you.
• Watch for motorcycles. Drivers need to recognize there are more riders on B.C. roads every year, and their presence peaks in the summer.

"The roadways will be busy this weekend and we want everyone to use extra caution to make sure they get to their destination safely," said ICBC road safety director Nicolas Jimenez.

Yesterday, police across B.C. and ICBC launched a summer awareness and enforcement campaign reminding all drivers that excuses for drinking and driving will not be tolerated. To help ensure motorists get the message, advertising will appear in communities across the province and police across B.C. will be ramping up road checks.

Contact:
Cindy Rose
Ministry of Public Safety and Solicitor General
250 356-6961

Doug Henderson
ICBC Corporate Communications
604 982-1332, 604 786-2579(cell)

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