ICBC says this is a crash heavy season.
Image Credit: SUBMITTED/ICBC
December 23, 2019 - 6:00 AM
ICBC is reminding motorists to drive carefully over the holidays because it's the season of crashes.
Over the Christmas and New Year's holidays, an average of 530 British Columbians are injured and two people are killed in 2,000 crashes. That averages out to about one crash every three minutes.
ICBC and police data collected over the last five years indicates 45 people are injured in 180 crashes in the Southern Interior at that time.
During New Year's celebrations, between 6 p.m. on Dec. 31 and midnight Jan. 1, on average, 15 people are injured in 95 crashes in the Southern Interior.
ICBC recommends that drivers check their vehicles, and ensure that they have the correct tires required on many B.C. Highways. Winter tires will have either a mountain or snowflake on the tire, or the mud and snow (M+S) designation. This is a requirement for all drivers heading over the Malahat.
ICBC also recommends slowing down in icy or wet conditions, staying free of phone distractions, taking breaks if feeling tired, and planning a safe ride home if alcohol or cannabis consumption is planned.
Some tips for avoiding distraction, include making important calls and programming your GPS before you begin driving. If you're on a longer drive, use highway rest stops to take a break and check your messages.
If your holiday festivities involve alcohol, plan for a safe ride home: arrange a designated driver, call a taxi, take transit or use Operation Red Nose where available.
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