Provincial campaign targets speeders

British Columbians are being advised to stay safe behind the wheel by not going too fast.

The Insurance Corporation of B.C. (ICBC) and police throughout the province have launched a new campaign to encourage people not to exceed speed limits.

Data from ICBC shows going just five kilometres per hour over the limit increases the risk of crashing by 50 per cent.

ICBC’s statistics shows an average of 84 people are killed and 2,168 others are injured in speed-related crashes in B.C. each year.

In the Interior, there are an average of 12 deaths and 361 injuries stemming from speed-related crashes every year.

The campaign encourages drivers to slow down and follow all posted speed limits, even in ideal conditions, and to be aware of vulnerable road users such as cyclists and people on motorized wheelchairs.

“Speed plays a role in every crash,” Shabnem Afzal, ICBC’s director of road safety, said.

“The higher the speed, the more time and distance you need to stop, making it harder to avoid crashing. When you drive at a safe speed, you can prevent crashes and protect the lives of all road users.”

Through the month of May, police forces throughout the province will be focused on speeding with targeted enforcement and automatic enforcement cameras.

“Speed is a significant contributing factor in collision fatalities in B.C.,” Chief Superintendent Holly Turton, Officer in Charge of BC Highway Patrol, said.

“Police agencies throughout the province will be looking for speeding drivers to make our roads safer for everyone. Slow down so you have more time to react to the unexpected and reduce your risk of crashing.”

ICBC will also work with Speed Watch volunteers throughout British Columbia who will have speed-reader boards set up to show drivers how fast their travelling and remind them to follow the speed limit.