Posted by ReyFort Media
As people head out to enjoy the B.C. Day long weekend, ICBC is asking drivers to stay focused and prepare for a busy weekend with high temperatures, heavy traffic and wildfire-related impacts in some areas of the province.
Speed is consistently the top contributing factor in crashes over the B.C. Day long weekend. On average, two people are killed and 606 people are injured in crashes throughout B.C. over the holiday period.*
While we need drivers to make safe choices and do their part this long weekend, highway safety features also play an important role in supporting safer travel. These include rumble strips, barriers, DriveBC cameras and rest stop upgrades. ICBC’s investing $13 million each year in these and other safety improvements across the province.
“Whether you’re driving to a camping trip, lakeside getaway or community celebration, a little extra patience and preparation can go a long way on a busy holiday weekend,” said Kathleen Nadalin, ICBC road safety manager. “Leave extra time, stay focused and look for motorcyclists and other road users to help make the journey safer for everyone sharing our roads.”
“The B.C. Day long weekend is one of the busiest travel times of the summer, and behind every trip is a family or friend waiting at the other end,” said Niki Sharma, Attorney General. “Whether the trip is on a busy highway or a quiet rural road, a little extra care can make all the difference. Our government is committed to keeping people safe on B.C. roads, and we encourage everyone to plan ahead, stay focused and do their part so everyone can enjoy the long weekend and get home safely.”
Tips for B.C. Day long weekend travel
- Rest up before a long drive. Fatigue related crashes increase significantly in July and August in B.C.** Hot summer temperatures and long drives can leave drivers feeling less alert. Get enough sleep before you leave, take regular breaks and pull over if you feel tired.
- Slow down and leave extra space. Drive within the speed limit and increase your following distance to allow more time to react, especially at high speeds, in congestion, poor weather or when sharing the road with motorcycles, cyclists and pedestrians.
- Check conditions before you go. Visit DriveBC.ca for the latest road conditions and EmergencyInfoBC for information on areas under wildfire-related evacuation alerts and orders. More wildfire preparedness tips are available on icbc.com including what to pack in case of emergency and vehicle insurance coverage information.
- Let faster drivers pass safely. Keep right on highways, except when passing, and remember that RVs and trailers may travel more slowly, especially through mountain passes. Be patient, maintain a safe following distance and only pass when it’s safe and legal.
- Check your vehicle and pack an emergency kit before heading out. Make sure your tires have adequate tread, fluids are topped up, and your lights and turn signals are working properly.
(From ICBC: https://icbc.com/about-icbc/newsroom/2026-07-29-bc-day-long-weekend-travel
(News.gov.bc.ca)
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