Mission RCMP and ICBC launched a high-risk driving awareness and enforcement campaign last Wednesday, looking for speeders and distracted motorists.
About 60 per cent of crashes happen at intersections in B.C. – that is, 241 crashes per day and more than 51,000 people injured every year. Many driving behaviours may seem harmless, like tailgating or failing to yield the right-of-way, but the truth is they increase your risk of crashing at intersections, potentially injuring or killing yourself and others.
The campaign focuses on speeding, failure to yield, following too closely, ignoring a traffic control device and improper passing.
Here are a few safety tips:
• Slow down as you approach intersections and remember that a yellow light means you should stop if you can do so safely.
• When making a left turn, be extra careful and always yield to pedestrians and oncoming traffic. Always use your turn signal well before you make a move — it helps others know what you’re doing.
• Leave enough space between your car and the one in front of you so you have more time to react to the unexpected.
• Shoulder check for cyclists before turning right or pulling away from a curb and watch for oncoming cyclists before turning left.
• As the weather gets warmer, more motorcyclists will be hitting the road so be on the lookout, especially when turning left. Motorcyclists are hard to see and it can be difficult to judge their speed and intentions, so yield the right of way.