High-risk driving campaign: May 15 to June 15

As the weather warms up and we head into summer, ICBC and police are asking you to plan ahead for increased traffic volumes so you’re not tempted to rush to your destination.

Tailgating, failing to yield or speeding are high-risk driving behaviours that contribute to almost half of all police-reported casualty crashes in B.C.

The high-risk driving campaign aims to remind drivers to slow down so they can be more prepared to expect the unexpected. The month-long campaign includes enhanced police enforcement and volunteer Speed Watch deployments in high crash locations. We want to help drivers avoid high-risk driving behaviors because fewer crashes and injuries lower claims costs and help keep rates as low as possible.

Here are tips from ICBC to help you avoid high-risk driving behaviours:

• Failing to yield: It may not always be easy to decide who has the right-of-way at intersections. Signs and traffic signals often help determine who needs to yield to whom. If in doubt, always be ready to give the right-of-way.
• Ignoring traffic control devices: If you're approaching a light that's been green for a while, slow down and prepare to stop if the light changes. Remember that yellow lights mean you must stop unless it is unsafe to do so.
• Following too closely: Leaving a safe following distance between your vehicle and the vehicle in front gives you time to react to the unexpected. You need a following distance of at least two seconds in good weather and road conditions. Allow at least three seconds when you’re behind a large vehicle that could block your vision, or a motorcycle that could stop very quickly.
• Speeding: Speed is one of the most frequently cited contributing factors in police-reported car crashes. You need time to see and react before your brakes take effect and slow you down. Slowing down and being more realistic about travel times can reduce your risk of getting in a crash. Give yourself extra time to get to your destination so you don’t feel the need to rush.
• Improper passing: If you’re planning to pass, make sure you do it safely and legally. Keep within the speed limit and communicate clearly by using your signals. Big trucks can't slow down as quickly as you can so leave extra room before pulling back in. Avoid passing on the right, and ensure you can see the vehicle you’ve passed in your mirrors before pulling back in front of it.