The Easter long weekend is only a couple days away and as thousands of islanders prepare to embark on a spring adventure with family and friends, ICBC is advising travelers of essential safety tips before they embark on their trip.
Related: BC Ferries braces for busy Easter long weekend with 180 additional sailings
According to accident data recorded by ICBC, an average of two people are killed and 610 are injured in 2,200 crashes throughout BC over the Easter long weekend.
That breaks down to 70 people injured in 310 crashes every year during this long weekend on Vancouver Island, and 450 people injured in 1,400 crashes in the Lower Mainland..
From ensuring your vehicle can handle the long drive to following the weather forecasts in your area, here are five tips drivers should keep in mind before they hit the roads this weekend:
- Examine your vehicle: If you’re planning a long drive, check your engine oil, washer fluid, lights and inspect your vehicle tires, including the spare, to make sure they’re in good condition and properly inflated before heading out. Pack an emergency kit in your vehicle in case you get stuck or stranded.
- Plan ahead: Plan your route ahead of time and visit drivebc.ca to check for road and weather conditions before starting your drive. Give yourself extra time and expect delays over the long weekend.
- Rest up: Make sure you’ve had plenty of sleep and you’re well rested before heading out on a long drive. Take breaks or switch drivers if possible to avoid fatigue. If you need to, pull over at the nearest rest stop and take a nap before continuing on your journey.
- Adjust for bad weather: Road conditions can change suddenly on many routes in B.C. Reduce your speed and increase your following distance to four seconds so you have more time to react in poor weather and road conditions. Avoid driving through flooded or washed out roads.
- Lookout for wildlife: Watch for road signs indicating wildlife may be present. You may see animals feeding on plants near the roadside this spring. Be very alert at dusk and dawn when animals are most likely to be on the road.
Safe travels, Victoria!
