More crashes usually reported in December, ICBC warns drivers to slow down

As drivers on B.C.’s South Coast continue to face slippery surfaces, ICBC is warning people to drive carefully over the frosty holidays.

The province’s insurance corporation says that over Christmas and New Year’s, there are usually more vehicle crashes.

“Crashes peak in December – on average, 26,000 crashes occur this month, which is 2,000 more crashes than the monthly average,” ICBC said in a news release.

The corporation says that the total is based on the average of five years, starting in 2017.

As more snow is on the way for much of the Lower Mainland, the group is sharing tips on how drivers can stay safe on the roads.

Driving during the holiday season can be dangerous. Stay safe with our tips:

Plan a safe ride home
Prepare your vehicle for winter conditions
Slow down
Avoid distractions
Take breaks to stretch or rest along the way https://t.co/IRab9nPbHu pic.twitter.com/AqhzOJTxU7

— ICBC (@icbc) December 19, 2022

Required on most highways in the province, ICBC says that having snow tires are the “safest choice when driving in winter conditions.”

“Hopefully, it’s a reminder to those that maybe don’t have proper tires on their vehicle to make sure that now they do. You definitely do not want to be driving in B.C. right now if your vehicle isn’t properly equipped, and that really starts with proper tires,” Greg Harper with ICBC explained.

On top of the tire change, the group adds that slowing down while driving is an important factor in keeping safe on the roads and making sure your car is set to handle snow.

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“Another important thing right now…is to make sure your wipers are…working well and that you top-up your wiper fluid, because with all of the salt and solution that’s being put on our roads out there, you could very, very easily have trouble seeing properly,” Harper said.

Other tips include avoiding distractions like making phone calls, instead taking advantage of highway rest stops to take breaks.

In B.C., the group says that every year during the Christmas holidays two people are killed, 310 injured, and 1,100 crashes occur on average.

Heads up, snow expected overnight through tomorrow morning. Few tips

Move to a side street to make room for plows.
When it snows, only take essential trips.

If you must be on the road, plan travel according to our prioritized treatment plan https://t.co/pTTuiGd92Q pic.twitter.com/TK88KdcdQp

— City of Vancouver (@CityofVancouver) December 19, 2022

In the Lower Mainland, one person is killed on average, with 220 injured, and 710 crashes.

Harper also recommends British Columbians have an emergency kit in their vehicles.

“If you don’t have one, you should,” he said. “Pack blankets, food and water, in your vehicle in case you do get stuck somewhere out there.”

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