ICBC and police asking drivers to travel at safe speeds as part of newest campaign

MERRITT — Every year, on average, 32 people are killed and 617 are injured in speed related crashes in the Southern Interior region.

As the weather warms and more people are on the road, ICBC and police are kicking off an enforcement campaign to encourage drivers to travel at safe speeds to prevent crashes and keep everyone safe.

Research shows that the faster you drive, the more likely you are to crash and the greater the impact.

Going 5 km/h over the speed limit increases your risk of crashing by 50%.

ICBC says drivers should slow down, be attentive to vulnerable road users, and follow posted speed limits, even in ideal conditions.

“Speed plays a role in every crash,” said Shabnem Afzal, ICBC’s director of road safety.

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“The higher the speed, the more time and distance you need to stop, making it harder to avoid crashing. When you drive at a safe speed, you can prevent crashes and protect the lives of all road users.”

This month, police agencies in B.C. are focused on speeding through targeted enforcement and automated enforcement cameras.

ICBC is working with Speed Watch volunteers to set up speed-reader boards in B.C. communities to show drivers how fast they’re travelling and remind them to follow the speed limit.

“Speed is a significant contributing factor in collision fatalities in B.C.,” said Chief Superintendent Holly Turton, Officer in Charge of BC Highway Patrol.

“Police agencies throughout the province will be looking for speeding drivers to make our roads safer for everyone. Slow down so you have more time to react to the unexpected and reduce your risk of crashing.”

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