ICBC and police warning drivers to slow down as speed-related crashes rise​

May 03, 2022

As the weather warms up, an average of 141 speed-related crashes causing injury or death occur every month now through summer.*

That's why ICBC and police are launching a month-long campaign to warn drivers that driving too fast – even in ideal road conditions – can have tragic consequences.

Police will be targeting speeding drivers during May. Speed Watch volunteers will also be set up in communities across B.C. to remind drivers of the speed they're travelling.

Speeding remains the leading cause of car crash fatalities in B.C. with eight people, on average, killed in crashes involving speed every month from May through September.

The faster you drive, the more time and power your vehicle needs to stop. Slow down so you can see more of the road and have more time to react.

The campaign includes new education digital advertising and enforcement radio ads.

For tips and other facts, visit icbc.com.

Quotes:

Chief Superintendent Holly Turton, Vice-Chair of the B.C. Association of Chiefs of Police Traffic Safety Committee

“Road safety is a responsibility that we all share. When drivers make good choices to not engage in high risk driving behaviours such as speeding, they are doing their part to make our roads safer together."

Lindsay Matthews, ICBC's Vice-President Customer Experience & Public Affairs

“We need everyone to do their part to shift the culture around dangerous and high-risk driving behaviours. Reducing your speed gives you more time to react and helps ensure that everyone on the road arrives at their destination safely."

​Statistics*:

• In the Lower Mainland, 66 speed-related crashes causing injury or death occur every month now through summer.

• In the Lower Mainland, 27 people are killed in speed-related crashes every year.

• On Vancouver Island, 25 speed-related crashes causing injury or death occur every month now through summer.

• On Vancouver Island, 12 people are killed in speed-related crashes every year.

• In the Southern Interior, 37 speed-related crashes causing injury or death occur every month now through summer.

• In the Southern Interior, 31 people are killed in speed-related crashes every year.

• In the North Central region, 13 speed-related crashes causing injury or death occur every month now through summer.

• In the North Central region, 12 people are killed in speed-related crashes every year.

*Police-reported data, five-year average from 2016 to 2020. Speed includes unsafe speed, exceeding speed limit, excessive speed over 40km/h, and driving too fast for conditions. Some data statements are referencing May to September.​