Holiday rush increase driving risk in Thompson-Nicola, Merritt

Winter driving in BC is challenging at the best of times. The added stress of a busy holiday season can make it even more dangerous, cautions Road Safety at Work.

Last December, 24,534 crashes were reported to ICBC – an average of nearly 800 per day. The total included 3,422 in the Southern Interior which encompasses Merritt and area where 65 crashes were reported last December.

While those numbers are staggering, one reoccurring theme seems to be elevating these numbers: primarily speed.

“Rushing to your destination while driving might seem like a way to save time when you’ve got a lot to do, but it greatly increases the risk of a crash,” says Trace Acres, program director of Road Safety at Work. “Driving too fast for the conditions is one of the major contributors to winter crashes.”

“Slowing down and giving yourself extra time is one of the best ways to help ensure that you and your loved ones travel safely this holiday season.”

Figure from ICBC show that over the past five years, December  has had the highest amount of crashes of any month with WorkPlace BC statistics noting that work-related crashes increase by 26 percent during the winter months.

Aside from speed, Acres also points to other factors that contribute to accidents during the holidays including road conditions, weather and the fact that fewer daylight hours mean more driving in the dark.

He added that the hectic pace of life and work can increase fatigue, which slows driver reaction time. Couple that with holiday celebrations that may include alcohol or drugs and distracted driving with cell phone usage, all can contribute to accidents this holiday season.

• Avoid driving when conditions are poor. Know before you go by checking DriveBC.ca for weather and road conditions
• Leave more space between your vehicle and the vehicle in front of you so you have more time to react to other drivers.
• Leave your phone alone.
• Be fully rested before a long drive. Fatigue can be as dangerous as impaired driving especially on dark, icy roads.
• Never consumer alcohol or drugs before getting behind the wheel.

“We all share the responsibility  for making our roads safer during the holiday season,” Acres said. “Our family and friends want us home to celebrate with them.