ICBC and police launch campaign against speeding

May 05, 2023

This morning, ICBC and police launched a month-long campaign focused on speeding with a live demonstration at the Justice Institute of BC to show how a driver's speed impacts their ability to maneuver around unexpected obstacles and increases their risk of crashing.

Slowing down saves lives, and even a small reduction in speed can make a significant difference. For example, reducing your average speed down by just 5% can decrease your risk of a fatal crash by 30%.

Speeding is the leading cause of car crash fatalities in British Columbia, with an average of 80 people losing their lives every year. This loss of life has a profound impact on families and B.C. communities, and these tragedies are entirely preventable.

To address this critical issue, ICBC and police have teamed up for this month's education and enforcement campaign to remind drivers that driving too fast, even in ideal road conditions, can have devastating consequences.

Throughout the month, police will be targeting speeding drivers with increased enforcement. ICBC is also working with Speed Watch volunteers, who will have speed-reader boards set up throughout the province to encourage drivers to slow down.

You can find more tips and information on icbc.com.

Quotes:

Mike Farnworth, Minister of Public Safety and Solicitor General

“We have put in place significant fines, automated speed enforcement and seven-day vehicle impoundment. Yet police continue to catch irresponsible people driving at ridiculous speeds. It's not just frustrating – it's deadly. All drivers in the province need to respect other road users, including cyclists and pedestrians. Slow down."

Superintendent Dale Carr, BC Highway Patrol, on behalf of BC Association of Chiefs of Police

“Speeding is one of many high-risk driving behaviors that puts all road users in danger. Slowing down is a simple way to avoid crashing, causing injury or worse. Police will be out in full-force across the province this month looking for high risk drivers with an additional focus on speeding drivers."

Shabnem Afzal, ICBC's director of road safety

“Reducing your speed gives you more time to react and reduces your risk of crashing. Be realistic about travel time and leave early so you don't feel tempted to speed or drive too fast. Road safety is everyone's responsibility, so slow down and help ensure everyone arrives at their destination safely."

​Statistics**:

• Every year in B.C., on average 80 people are killed in 3,500 speed-related crashes.

• Every year in the Lower Mainland, on average 28 people are killed in speed-related crashes.

• Every year on Vancouver Island, on average 12 people are killed in speed-related crashes.

• Every year in the Southern Interior, on average 30 people are killed in speed-related crashes.

• Every year in the North Central region, on average 12 people are killed in speed-related crashes.

*Managing speed (who.int) World Health Organization

**Five-year averages based on police-reported data from 2017 to 2021.