As camping season kicks off this May long weekend, ICBC asks drivers to prepare and travel at safe speeds

May 14, 2025

For many, Victoria Day long weekend marks the unofficial start of the camping season in B.C. Some will be heading out on their first road trip of the year with family and friends and we’re asking drivers to remember the basics – plan your route, pack an emergency kit and prepare your vehicle, and travel at safe speeds so everyone gets to their destination safely.

Speed is a top contributing factor in crashes over the Victoria Day long weekend, with an average of four people killed and 575 people injured in crashes in B.C.* Police are looking for speeding drivers this weekend and throughout the month.

“As we look forward to the start of long weekend road trips and summer vacations, we want everyone travelling on our roads this season to stay safe,” said Kathleen Nadalin, ICBC’s road safety program manager. “Do your part by driving at a safe speed and leaving enough following distance to reduce your risk of crashing, and help keep motorcyclists, pedestrians and cyclists who share our roads safe.”

“Speeding, distracted driving and impaired driving are factors in far too many crashes in our province,” said Garry Begg, Minister of Public Safety and Solicitor General. “In addition to managing your speed, please put your phones away, enjoy yourself responsibly and focus on safety this weekend.”

ICBC helps improve road safety in B.C. for all road users by working with communities, law enforcement, and other partners on a wide variety of road safety campaigns and initiatives. Every year we invest $50 million to make B.C. roads safer – from improvements through our road improvement program and public education and awareness campaigns, to the intersection safety camera program.

Follow us on Instagram for more on preparing for your next road trip and a chance to win an emergency kit.

Driving tips:

• Do a pre-trip check on your vehicle before heading out. Make sure the tire tread is adequate, oil level and condition are good, washer fluid is topped up and your lights and turn signals are working properly.

• With warmer weather, we share our roads with more motorcyclists, pedestrians and cyclists. Do your part to keep them safe by increasing your following distance, reducing your speed and always being on the lookout for vulnerable road users.

• Plan your route ahead of time and give yourself extra time to get to your destination. Consider that the roads may be busier than normal. Check current road conditions at drivebc.ca.

• Manage your speed and following distance – you may have to adjust your speed and following distance based on traffic flow and volume. The higher speed you travel, the more time and distance you need to stop and react on the road. Posted speed limits are for ideal conditions only and may change suddenly in construction zones.

• Put your phone away and avoid distractions that take your mind and eyes off the road. Distracted driving is a top contributing factor in Victoria Day long weekend crashes so stay focused and leave your phone alone.

• If your long weekend plans involve alcohol or other drugs, plan ahead for a safe ride home. A designated driver is a great option or book a taxi, ride hailing service, or transit.

Statistics:

• Over Victoria Day long weekend, on average, 403 people are injured in 1,398 crashes in the

  Lower Mainland

  everyyear.*

• Over Victoria Day long weekend, on average, 75 people are injured in 317 crashes on

  Vancouver Island

  every year.*

• Over Victoria Day long weekend, on average, 76 people are injured in 322 crashes in the

  Southern Interior

  every year.*

• Over Victoria Day long weekend, on average, 20 people are injured in 134 crashes in

  northern B.C.

  every year.*

• Distraction is the top contributing factor in police-reported crashes over Victoria Day long weekend followed by impairment and speeding.*

*ICBC crash and injury data and police fatality data are based on five-year average (2019 to 2023).