B.C. sees record number of driving fatalities in over a decade: BCEHS

BC Emergency Health Services (BCEHS) says 51 people died on the province’s roads in the last month.

In a post to social media Thursday, paramedics say preliminary data from the BC Coroners Service shows it’s the highest number of deaths in a single month this year and in the past 11 years.

BCEHS says traumatic injuries are the leading cause of death for people under the age of 45 in the province.

“Sadly, many of those deaths happen on the road,” BCEHS said.

Mid-way through July, the BC Highway Patrol (BCHP) pleaded with drivers to slow down after multiple deadly collisions in just one month.

At the time, over 20 drivers had died on B.C. highways in July. The BCHP told 1130 NewsRadio that excessive speeding was to blame.

BCEHS reminded drivers Thursday that distracted driving is also a major concern. It’s asking drivers to avoid doing anything that draws attention from the road.

“On long weekends, BCEHS generally receives over 60 per day for motor vehicle incidents,” paramedics said on social media.

As well, drivers are reminded to check weather conditions on highways they will be travelling, giving themselves enough travel time to avoid speeding.

1130 NewsRadio has reached out to BCEHS for more information. The BC Coroners Service declined to comment.

The BCHP tells 1130 NewsRadio that it can’t corroborate the figure of 51 deaths, given that police count vehicle-related deaths differently than the BC Coroners Service.

“The Coroners Service also includes deaths that occurred over 30 days past the collision date. This could mean that months or years after a collision occurs, the Coroners Service could still report that the death may have been caused by a previous collision,” said Corp. Melissa Jongema in a statement.

Impound fees for reckless driving to nearly double in B.C.

Meanwhile, the provincial government announced Thursday that it will be enforcing stricter fines for dangerous driving in B.C., effective Sept. 1.

“Following two summers marked by a surge in highway fatalities,” the province says it’s imposing “significantly higher fees” for the towing and storage of impounded vehicles, if the driver is found to have been engaging in reckless behaviour, such as impaired driving, excessive speeding, street racing or driving without a licence.

The changes include a flat-rate towing fee increase of 38 per cent to $110, and a storage fee increase of up to 96 per cent, up to $40 per day.

President of the BC Association of Chiefs of Police Fiona Wilson says it’s a “necessary step” for public safety.

“By imposing stricter financial consequences on dangerous driving, we are sending a very clear message that reckless behaviour on our roads will not be tolerated. Our goal is to protect all road users and reduce the tragic loss of life that too often results from these preventable actions,” said Wilson.

With files from Cecilia Hua.