North-central BC saw close to 1,554 vehicle crashes, with 469 of those in Prince George, according to data from the Insurance Corporation of British Columbia.
Province-wide, 24,534 collisions were reported to ICBC, an average of nearly 800 per day, all in December 2023.
ICBC notes that the holidays see an increase in everything from fender-benders to highway pileups due to poor weather, busier highways, fewer daylight hours and increased stress, the holidays can go from joyous to joyless very quickly.
“Rushing to your destination while driving might seem like a way to save time when you’ve got a lot to do, but it greatly increases the risk of a crash," said Trace Acres, program director for Road Safety at Work. "Slowing down and giving yourself extra time is one of the best ways to help ensure you and your loved ones travel safely this holiday season."
Road Safety at Work offers these additional tips to increase your chances of getting from point A to point B safely this holiday season.
- Avoid driving when conditions are poor. They may worsen in an hour or two.
- Know before you go by checking DriveBC.ca for road conditions and weather updates.
- Leave more space between your vehicle and the vehicle in front of you, so you have more time to react to other drivers.
- Use winter tires even if you’re in an area with little snow. They provide better traction in cold temperatures and on slippery roads.
- Leave your phone alone.
- Be fully rested before long drives. Fatigue can be as dangerous as impaired driving, especially on dark, icy roads.
- Take extra care in busy parking lots, especially after dark.
It may also be a good idea to prepare or purchase an emergency roadside kit, Road Safety at Work advises. These can include flares, emergency blankets, food and water, tire patches, chains, candles/flashlights and many more possibly life-saving items.
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