It’s time of year that the change in weather can lead to dangerous driving conditions. With that in mind, every October the RCMP rolls out its, ‘Drive Relative to Conditions and Pedestrian Awareness’ campaign.
The BC RCMP said, “This October, almost 8,000 drivers in BC were still driving like it’s summer and speed limits don’t matter. It shows that British Columbians still have a lot of work to do to make the roads safer for pedestrians, vulnerable road users, and everyone else.’
Northern BC is the region of the province with some of the worst driving conditions. Yet motorists in the northern part of the province led the way, with 1,486 tickets issued during the campaign.
“As drivers we are guilty of thinking that we are exceptional. We make excuses about why the rules should not apply to us,” says Corporal Michael McLaughlin with BC Highway Patrol. “But once you hit another human being, or an animal, or badly injure yourself, it’s too late to be smarter or act better.”
Drivers are reminded that posted speed limits are created for ideal, dry, clear, daytime conditions. If traffic is heavy, weather is poor, or it’s dark, you have an obligation to slow down.
With the increased hazard of winter driving conditions, it’s extremely important to be sober, alert, and undistracted.
Pedestrians and other vulnerable road users are encouraged to be alert and put their phones away, wear brighter clothing with reflective piping, and obey traffic lights.
“None of us are special drivers or invulnerable pedestrians,” says Corporal McLaughlin. “The weather has turned now and it’s dark most of the time. Slow down and avoid getting a ticket or something worse. Help us create a safer and better experience on our roads.”