Christmas is less than a week away, so many may be traveling to see family and friends for holiday celebrations. However, ICBC is warning drivers to take caution on the busy roads as, on average, 35 crashes occur every hour over the Christmas holidays.
According to the provincial insurance agency, 510 people are injured and two people are killed every year during these holiday crashes.
To stay safe on the roads this holiday season, ICBC recommends:
- Get winter tires
- Top up wiper fluid to ensure visibility
- Pack an emergency kit complete with a blanket, food and water
- Slow down and adjust speeds for the road conditions
- Avoid distractions
- Take a break
- Plan for a safe ride home and consider using Operation Red Nose services
Operation Red Nose is a volunteer service used in 19 B.C. communities to provide safe rides to drivers who feel unfit to get behind the wheel. During the holiday season, an average of 12 road teams of three people are on call each night of the service. They’ve been working throughout the month and will still work from 9 p.m. to 3 a.m. on Dec. 21 and on New Year’s Eve. Clients can request a ride by calling 604-943-0460.
