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Stats, Facts & Tips |
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Road Safety
Stats, Facts & Tips
In
2005, 459 people were killed and 78,000 people were
injured in BC in motor vehicle crashes on our roads.
Speed and alcohol are two of the main causes of
crashes.
Speeding was a contributing factor in approximately
40% of all police-reported motor vehicle fatal
collisions in 2005.
In
2005, 167 people were killed in speeding-related
collisions, up from 142 in 2004.
In
2005, 50% of all fatalities and injuries in
speeding-related incidents occurred on a weekend
(Friday, Saturday and Sunday).
Alcohol was a contributing factor in over 28% of all
police-reported motor vehicle fatal collisions in
2005.
127
people were killed in alcohol-related collisions in
2005, up from 102 in 2004.
Driver distraction is the cause of 9% of serious or
fatal crashes. Multi-tasking reduces your ability to
react to changes in traffic.
The
risk of being in a car crash is 38% higher when you
are using a cell phone.
Between 2000 and 2004, approximately 2,800 people
were injured and 140 people were killed each year in
BC where no seatbelt was being worn.
Fatigue is a serious problem with BC drivers. In
2004, there were 42 fatalities and 850 injuries
where police cited fatigue as a contributing factor.
Car
crashes are the number-one killer and risk of injury
to young people aged 13 to 21 in BC.
In
2005, new drivers were 23% more likely to be
involved in a collision than more experienced
drivers.
New
drivers account for 8% of all drivers in BC, yet in
2005 they were involved in 17% of the fatal
collisions.
Things to keep in mind when you
drive.
Here
are some tips on what you can do to be a better
driver and help keep injury claims in check.
Be calm. High risk behaviour is a huge factor in
car crashes. Speeding, weaving in and out of
traffic, tailgating and running red lights and stop
signs cause crashes.
Keep distractions to a minimum. That means it's
best to avoid talking on your cell phone, trying to
read a map, or eating while you're driving.
Be realistic about travel time. When planning
your trip, factor in possible delays due to traffic
volumes, construction or weather conditions.
Slow
down and leave plenty of space between your vehicle
and the one in front.
Get plenty of rest before you hit the road. If
you feel tired, pull over and take a nap or take a
walk to refresh yourself.
Ease up on the accelerator and stick to the
speed limit.
NEVER drink and drive.
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Courtesy ICBC. All rights reserved. |
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