Keeping Safe on the Roads This Long Weekend
By 250 News
Thursday, April 01, 2010 01:35 PM
Prince George, B.C.- Heading into the first long weekend of the year, ICBC and the RCMP are offering a couple of reminders to make sure you get to and from your weekend destinations safely.
Over the past five years (2005-2009), there has been an annual average of 100 crashes and 20 injuries throughout the North Central Region during the four-day Easter long weekend.
"Our roads will be extra busy with many drivers setting off on their first road trip of the year,” said Nicolas Jimenez, ICBC’s director of Road Safety. “It’s important for drivers to do their part to keep our roads safe by being extra cautious and making smart driving decisions. At this time of the year, we can often still see challenging weather conditions across many parts of the province.”
Although the weather has been pleasant for the past couple of weeks, there are still issues on the highways especially in the early morning hours. Black ice is still possible on many of the roads throughout the region, and drivers are advised to keep that in mind.
ICBC suggests 5 smart driving tips for the Easter long weekend:
No. 1 – Be realistic: Plan ahead and be realistic about travel times. Allow extra time for possible delays that may occur due to increased traffic volume over the long weekend.
No. 2 – Your vehicle: Long road trips can be tiring for drivers and passengers but also on your vehicle, so make sure it’s up to the drive. Remember to check your engine oil, washer fluid, lights and inspect your vehicle tires, including the spare, to make sure they are in good condition and properly inflated.
No. 3 – Be safe: At this time of year in B.C., weather conditions can change quickly, especially when travelling over long distances. Even in spring, drivers may encounter winter-like conditions in some parts of the province. In other parts of the province, warmer weather will encourage more motorcyclists and bicyclists to hit the road. Drivers should slow down, use extra caution and keep a look out for other roads users.
No. 4 – Drive smart: Whether travelling a long distance or a short trip, always maintain a safe travelling distance between vehicles. Allow at least two seconds of following distance in good weather and road conditions, and at least three seconds on high-speed roads or if you’re behind a motorcycle since it has a much shorter stopping distance.
No. 5 – Model it: Set an example for your children and other drivers by making smart driving decisions on the road. Start by always wearing your seatbelt and make sure that everyone else in the vehicle does too.
For more smart driving tips, please visit www.icbc.com/drivesmart.
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Posted by: Don Frye on April 1 2010 1:45 PM