Long weekend ahead: new survey shows majority of passengers concerned about speeding drivers

May 14, 2019

As drivers hit the road this Victoria Day long weekend, police will be conducting a province-wide enforcement blitz to target speeders as part of a month-long campaign.

Over the Victoria Day long weekend, 540 people were injured in 2,300 crashes in B.C. in 2017.*

In a recent survey conducted by Ipsos for ICBC (April 2019), almost three-quarters (72 per cent) of respondents said they've been concerned for their safety as a passenger in a vehicle they considered to be speeding. And as drivers, 46 per cent said their top concern of possible consequences from speeding was injuring a passenger.

With speed the number one cause of car crash fatalities in B.C., it's no wonder people are concerned. As you're traveling with family and friends this long weekend, remember to slow down and speak up if you feel uncomfortable.

Speeding increases your risk of crashing. That's why ICBC, police and Speed Watch volunteers are urging drivers to slow down. When you slow down, you see more of the road and have more time to react.

ICBC's top tips for a safe long weekend road trip:

• Plan your route and check road conditions at drivebc.ca before you leave.

• Don't speed up as someone is trying to pass you. Help the other driver get back into your lane by slowing down and making room.

• Be realistic about travel times. Don't rush to make up time – slow down to reduce your risk of crashing and arrive at your destination safely.

• Make a game of looking for motorcycles. Have each passenger guess how many motorcycles you'll see during the drive and then count them as you go. It's a great way to teach young drivers to look for motorcyclists.

• Stay focused and avoid distractions that take your mind off driving and your eyes off the road. Distracted driving is one of the most common causes of crashes so remember to leave your phone alone.

Regional statistics*:

• Over the Victoria Day long weekend, 390 people were injured in 1,500 crashes throughout the Lower Mainland in 2017.

• Over the Victoria Day long weekend, 61 people were injured in 352 crashes on Vancouver Island in 2017.

• Over the Victoria Day long weekend, 69 people were injured in 350 crashes throughout the Southern Interior in 2017.

• Over the Victoria Day long weekend, 16 people were injured in 120 crashes throughout the North Central region in 2017.

*Victoria Day long weekend is calculated from 18:00 the Friday prior to Victoria Day to midnight Monday. Injured victims and crashes from 2017 ICBC data.