ICBC and Canadian Blood Services encourage British Columbians to think twice about their actions this B.C. Day long weekend.
There's an average of 1,780 crashes resulting in 500 injuries and three fatalities during the B.C. day long weekend, according to ICBC statistics from 2005 to 2009. This can have an immediate and significant impact on Canada's blood supply.
"Victims of bad car crashes can sometimes need up to 50 units of blood to come out of the emergency room alive," said Britt Anderson, Regional Donor Services Manager for Canadian Blood Services, B.C. and Yukon.
Long weekends are a difficult time to collect blood, so ICBC staff are rolling up their sleeves to do their part by holding their 2nd annual Summer Blood Donor Challenge from July 28 to Sept. 8.
As of yesterday morning, 345 appointment slots need to be filled between July 30 and Aug. 2. Appointments can be scheduled by calling 1-888-2-DONATE (1-888-236-6283).
ICBC, along with the Community Against Preventable Injuries, also want to remind people to make smart driving decisions this long weekend. Plan ahead if activities involve alcohol, avoid using handheld electronic devices while driving and stay within the posted speed limit.
"We never imagine that we'll end our long weekend with car damage, or even worse, in a hospital bed," said Dr. Ian Pike of the Community for Preventable Injuries, "But that is exactly what happens to hundreds of British Columbians every year."
