Fewer drivers during pandemic no excuse to speed: ICBC
Posted May 5, 2020 1:01 pm.
Last Updated May 5, 2020 1:04 pm.
VANCOUVER (NEWS 1130) — While more people are driving less as they work from home during the pandemic, many who are on the roads are going too fast.
Police officers have seen more speeders since a state of emergency was declared in B.C. in March due to COVID-19.
Given that, ICBC, the province, and police have launched a month-long campaign focusing on speed and urging drivers to slow down.
“Speed, distracted driving, and impaired driving are just a few of the high-risk driving behaviours that put everyone at risk,” says Chief Officer Neil Dubord, chair of the B.C. Association of Chiefs of Police Traffic Safety Committee.
With fewer vehicles on our roads right now, drivers may be tempted to speed. Speeding increases your risk of crashing and reduces the amount of time you have to react to the unexpected. Learn more: https://t.co/aA2VolDBKQ pic.twitter.com/sccSL1WYkc
— ICBC (@icbc) May 4, 2020
“With the use of intersection safety cameras and dedicated police agencies throughout the province, drivers are sure to be caught and held accountable when they make the choice to disregard the rules of the road.”
Every year in B.C., 82 people are killed in speed-related crashes, according to ICBC.
“Whether you’re a driver, rider, cyclist or pedestrian – we can all play our part over the coming months by only travelling when necessary, and taking extra care on every journey,” adds Lindsay Matthews, ICBC vice-president public affairs and driver licensing. “Driving over the speed limit really doesn’t get you there noticeably sooner, and instead increases your chances of crashing.”
Over the weekend, a driver near Burnaby Mountain was caught going 130 km/h in a 60 km/h zone. He was fined $500 and had his car impounded.