Nearly 1,000 crashes were reported to ICBC every day last December.
In total, that is 29,053 crashes – 1,710 of which were in the North Central Region.
“Driving in winter is different from other times of the year and it’s more dangerous,” said Trace Acres, program director for Road Safety at Work and spokesperson for the Shift into Winter safety awareness campaign. “No one is a perfect driver. You can’t always predict how your vehicle or other vehicles will react in winter conditions.”
Road Safety at Work is reminding drivers of the following safe driving tips:
- Avoid driving when conditions are poor. Use DriveBC.ca to check weather and roads before setting out.
- Have 4 matched winter tires in good condition on your vehicle. Road Safety at Work recommends tires with the 3-peaked mountain and snowflake symbol for the best traction.
- Adjust driving for the conditions to maintain full control of your vehicle. Slow down and leave at least 4 seconds between you and the vehicle in front to allow yourself time to react.
- See and be seen. Clear all snow and wait for the windows to defrost completely before setting out. Install new wiper blades and always have your lights on.
- Give driving your full attention and avoid distractions such as your phone.
- Watch for changes in your usual routes, such as roadside work zones.
- Carry an emergency kit with supplies you may need if you get stranded even for a few hours.
Prince George recorded 543 crashes last December, only four other municipalities recorded over 100 – Fort St. John (139), Williams Lake (116), Dawson Creek (107), and Quesnel (105).
You can find the crash data here.