BC Highway Patrol plans increased enforcement for the May long weekend
Posted May 3, 2024 7:43 pm.
Last Updated May 5, 2024 9:49 pm.
BC Highway Patrol (BCHP) says that highways will see stricter patrols this year during the May long weekend.
In a release Friday, BCHP says it will be increasing enforcement in partnership with ICBC over the long weekend to “target” high-risk drivers.
This includes impaired drivers, excessive speeders, street racers and distracted drivers.
It says enforcement will “especially be in full force” from May 17 to 21 because higher volumes of motorists are expected on highways.
“This May long weekend may also see an increase in impaired drivers and high-risk drivers which could mean a higher number of collisions including fatal collisions,” it said.
According to ICBC, from 2018 to 2022 there were an average of 1,800 collisions during B.C’s May long weekends, with two or three being fatal.
“Yearly, there are on average 264 fatal collisions on B.C. highways with approximately 284 victims,” the release said.
Corporal Melissa Jongema, BCHP Media Relations Officer says all of these accidents were preventable.
“Do your part in keeping B.C. highways safe by respecting the lives of the drivers and passengers in other vehicles. Although they may be strangers, drive how you would drive if your loved ones were in the other vehicles on the road,” she said.
May 18 marks National Impaired Driving Enforcement Day.
-With files from Sonya Kuitenbrouwer
