Vancouver, B.C. (Nov. 21, 2012) – Tragically, in the last five years, 1,783 people have been killed in car crashes on B.C. roads with an average of 357 people killed every year.*
Today is the National Day of Remembrance for Road Crash Victims. This week, in support of the families who have lost their loved ones on our roads, ICBC, road safety partners and volunteers across the province are honouring victims and encouraging drivers to reflect on how their own driving behaviours can help keep themselves and everyone on our roads safe.
As weather conditions deteriorate across the province, ICBC is urging drivers to slow down and adjust their driving to the conditions they encounter. The number of crashes caused by people driving too fast for the road conditions nearly doubles between October and December as the weather worsens.
“This day of remembrance is a time to reflect on the hundreds of lives that are lost and thousands who are injured in crashes throughout our province every year,” said Mary Polak, Minister of Transportation and Infrastructure. “Many of these crashes, and the devastating impact they have on families, are completely preventable so please slow down and drive carefully.”
“In honour of those who have lost their lives on our roads, and their loved ones, we’re urging drivers to slow down and give themselves extra time so they get home to their families safely,” said John Dickinson, ICBC director of road safety. “Speeding is the leading cause of car crash fatalities in B.C. and when combined with poor weather conditions, it dramatically increases your risk of crashing.”
To help drivers avoid rushing and encourage them to slow down this winter, ICBC, the province and police are running a speed awareness education and enforcement campaign until the end of November. ICBC is also offering sharable late excuses for drivers to help them recognize that there are plenty of excuses for being late but none for speeding.
*Police statistics based on 2007 to 2011 data.
Regional statistics
Police statistics based on five year average (2007 to 2011):
- In the last five years, 609 people have been killed in car crashes in the Lower Mainland, with an average of 122 people killed every year.
- In the last five years, 267 people have been killed in car crashes on Vancouver Island, with an average of 54 people killed every year.
- In the last five years, 578 people have been killed in car crashes in the Southern Interior, with an average of 116 people killed every year.
- In the last five years, 328 people have been killed in car crashes in the North Central region, with an average of 66 people killed every year.
Provincial statistics
Police statistics based on five year average (2007 to 2011):
- On average, 129 people are killed each year in B.C. in speed-related crashes.
- Each October there is an average of 149 crashes resulting in injuries or death in B.C. due to people driving too fast for the conditions. That number nearly doubles in December to 289 as the driving conditions worsen.
For more detailed statistics on fatal victims and crashes involving speeding in B.C. and regionally, please read ICBC’s Quick Statistics report.
About ICBC
ICBC serves 3.2 million customers in the province of British Columbia, Canada. ICBC licenses and insures drivers and vehicles across the province through its service centres, plus a network of more than 900 independent brokers and government agent offices. Claims customers are served through local offices and an award-winning Dial-a-Claim call centre. ICBC’s road safety investments help create safer roads, lead to fewer crashes, and help keep rates stable. To find out more, visit icbc.com.
