ICBC urges caution as many plan long-weekend road trips

With the long weekend upon us, many people are planning road trips to pass the holiday.

However, ICBC is out with a reminder, telling drivers to be extra cautious while on the road.

“When people do set out for road trips, it’s really important to leave yourself extra time, prepare your vehicle, make sure you have emergency supplies,” explained Shabnem Afzal, director of Road Safety, ICBC.

Afzal tells CityNews there is generally a rise in crashes reported through the Easter long weekend in B.C.

“What we see is about 2,200 crashes, which is obviously quite a large number for a four-day time period. Out of that, we see almost 600 injuries, and, sadly, we lose at least one person every Easter long weekend in B.C.” she said. “That’s why we’re asking people to be super careful … whether they’re staying at home, in their neighbourhood, or whether they’re setting off on a road trip.”

She points out it’s still spring break for many, and with the weather improving, more and more people are setting off on their bikes and on foot to get outside.

“Share the road with other users so we can have a safe Easter long weekend.”

For anyone heading out of town, Afzal says it’s important to ensure your vehicle is ready for a long trip. Drivers are also reminded that winter-rated tires are required on out-of-town highways until April 30.

‘Most common causal factors for crashes’

Afzal says distracted driving, speeding, and impairment are “the most common causal factors for crashes in B.C.”

According to ICBC, distracted driving results in more than 70 deaths every year.

“Anything that takes your attention away from driving can contribute to distracted driving. Even when stopped, checking an electronic device affects your focus. You’re 3.6 times more likely to crash if you’re using your hand-held phone,” the auto insurer explains on its website.

Drivers are encouraged to turn off their notification or phones while behind the wheel, and to keep phones out of sight.

Distracted driving tickets can cost you $368 and four driver penalty points.

Four or more points on a driving record results in an increased premium.

–With files from Michael Williams