ICBC warns of significant increase in driver fatigue crashes ahead of long weekend

July 31, 2024

ICBC data shows that the number of people injured or killed each month in driver-fatigue related crashes is 58% higher in July and August compared to the rest of the year.*

As the B.C. Day long weekend approaches, ICBC is warning drivers that long drives and hot summer temperatures can be a dangerous combination leading to fatigue. Fatigue can slow your reaction time and when driving at highway speeds, even a slight reduction in reaction time can significantly increase your risk of crashing.

Over the B.C. Day long weekend, on average, two people are killed and 562 people injured in 2,064 crashes throughout the province.**

Warning signs of driver fatigue:

• You’re finding it difficult to stay within your lane.

• Your driving speed creeps up or down.

• You don’t recall the previous few minutes of driving.

• You’re struggling to stay focused on the road or experiencing blurred vision.

• You’re feeling bored, yawning, or daydreaming.

• Your eyes feel heavy or you have difficulty keeping your head up (if this happens, stop driving).

• If you notice any signs of fatigue, pull over in a safe place like a rest stop and take a nap.

Tips to prevent driver fatigue:

• Consider how much sleep you’ve had before driving. When you know you’re fatigued, avoid driving altogether.

• Avoid driving at times when you’re normally sleeping.

• Get a good night’s sleep – ideally at least seven hours of good quality sleep.

• Understand the effects that the medication you’re taking could have on your driving.

• Take a break at least every two hours and switch drivers if possible. Visit drivebc.ca to plan a rest break every two hours along your route ahead of time so you know where you can safely pull over.

Wildfire risk:

As wildfire risk remains high throughout B.C., many communities across the province are facing evacuation alerts or orders. Check DriveBC before travelling for the latest road conditions and EmergencyInfoBC for information about areas under evacuation alerts and orders. Be prepared and plan alternate routes in case the road you want to use is closed. Information on how drivers can prepare for wildfires including what to pack in the event of an emergency, insurance coverages to consider to protect your vehicle against wildfire damage and how to get replacement identification is available on our website.

Additional statistics:

• Over the B.C. Day long weekend, on average, 387 people are injured in 1,235 crashes in the Lower Mainland every year.**

• Over the B.C. Day long weekend, on average, 67 people are injured in 306 crashes on Vancouver Island every year.**

• Over the B.C. Day long weekend, on average, 78 people are injured in 352 crashes in the Southern Interior every year.**

• Over the B.C. Day long weekend, on average, 24 people are injured in 130 crashes in North Central B.C. every year.**

*Police reported data; five-year average (2018 to 2022). On average, 87 people are injured or killed in driver-fatigue related crashes each month in July and August compared to 55 people injured or killed each month during the rest of the year. Fatigue includes incidents where one or more of the vehicles had contributing factors: extreme fatigue and fell asleep.

**Injury and crash numbers are based on ICBC data; five-year average (2018 to 2022). Fatality data based on police data; five-year average (2018 to 2022). B.C. Day long weekend is calculated from 18:00 hours the Friday prior to the B.C. Day holiday until midnight on Monday.