The author of the report, MaryAnne Arcand, Director of the BC Forest Safety Council’s Forestry TruckSafe program, says the risks are increasing, "The risks are being compounded by increased traffic due to the Mountain Pine Beetle, increased oil & gas exploration, and forest agreements being made between government and First Nations, which is turning many bands into logging contractors,".

Quoting  stats from the BC Injury Prevention Unit research, the report indicates the mortality rates for First Nations in a motor vehicle crash are nearly 9 times higher than the provincial average.  The stats also indicate low use of seatbelts, alcohol and drug use, as well as speed and weather conditions as contributing factors to the high crash rates. 

The report calls for  better communications between forest companies and First Nations,  improved maintenance of forestry roads, driver training,  the resolution of issues concerning jurisdiction and funding for the maintenance of the roads and enforcement.

"We need a coordinated approach to solving many of the issues and problems that can lead to road crashes and a strong program for prevention" says Arcand.

A follow-up meeting will take place next spring.