Vancouver Police, in partnership with the BC Government, ICBC and other police agencies, have begun a month-long campaign in an attempt to reduce collisions by targeting high-risk driving behaviours.
Through the month of May, police officers will be focusing their efforts on those who fail to yield to other drivers and pedestrians, drive too fast for the conditions, follow too closely and drive at excessive speeds. These types of offences contribute to a high percentage of preventable collisions – many that result in serious injuries and deaths every year.
“We are asking all drivers to focus on the road, be courteous, and slow down,” says Acting Inspector Ken Eng with the VPD Traffic Section. “Give yourself plenty of time to get where you are going and watch for pedestrians, cyclists and motorcyclists.”
VPD officers have already issued hundreds of tickets in the first few days of the campaign for offences related to high-risk driving.
Tips for Drivers
- don’t speed up as someone is trying to pass you or merge into traffic. Slow down and make room
- slow down and be realistic about travel times to reduce your risk of crashing
- give yourself extra time to get to your destination so you don’t feel the need to rush
- if you’re going to be later than you expected, accept the delay. It is better to safely arrive a little late than not arrive at all
- slow down on wet roads, in bad weather conditions, or on uneven roads and increase the distance from the car in front of you
