Speed Watch volunteers and local RCMP were out in force before the May long weekend trying to get drivers to slow down.
According to ICBC, every year people who drive too fast cause thousands of crashes on B.C. highways. Holidays and long weekends are prime times for risky driving behaviour and the best time to remind people to slow down.
ICBC Road Safety co-ordinator Karen Klein said Speed Watch set up reader boards, using what is called a two-strike deployment, where drivers could see how fast they were going.
If noting their posted speed doesn't motivate drivers to take their foot off the gas, RCMP officers were stationed just ahead at a second stop where they could issue a ticket. Klein said during the four days, Speed Watch was set up six times, checking the speed of 3,723 vehicles.
She said in 2006 speed was a factor in 8,200 crashes and 5,200 crash-related injuries. "Almost all motorists exhibit high risk driving behaviours. High risk behaviours can lead to increased risk of a crash; they include speeding, failing to yield right-of-way, ignoring traffic control devices, following too closely and improper passing," Klein said. Klein said speed and inattention are a dangerous combination, and for everyone's safety, drivers need to slow down and pay attention.
