High-risk driving enforcement campaign in May

This May, the province, police, and ICBC are teaming up to launch the high-risk driving enforcement campaign to help raise awareness about the importance of smart driving behaviours, particularly in intersections.

About 60 per cent of ICBC-reported crashes occur in intersections— 241 crashes per day on average.*

During the month of May, police are stepping up enforcement across the province targeting high-risk driving behaviours, like speeding, failing to yield, following too closely, ignoring a traffic control device and improper passing.

We're asking you to keep your mind on the road because we want you and your family to stay safe and be able to react to the unexpected.

Tips to keep our roads safer

On average, more than 51,000 people are injured annually in crashes at intersections.*

Crashes caused by high risk behaviours can lead to serious consequences, especially when pedestrians, cyclists or motorcyclists are involved.

Here are some tips to help keep our roads safer:

• Slow down as you approach intersections and remember that a yellow light means you should stop if you can do so safely.
• When making a left turn, be extra careful and always yield to pedestrians and oncoming traffic. Always use your turn signal well before you make a move – it helps others know what you’re doing.
• Leave enough space between your car and the one in front of you so you have more time to react to the unexpected.
• Shoulder check for cyclists before turning right or pulling away from a curb and watch for oncoming cyclists before turning left
• As the weather gets warmer, more motorcyclists will be hitting the road so be on the lookout, especially when turning left. Motorcyclists are hard to see and it can be difficult to judge their speed and intentions, so the safest thing to do is yield the right of way.

*Crashes reported to ICBC (five-year average, 2007-2011).