By: Blair Qualey
It’s summer in BC, and people around the province are hitting the road to enjoy the nice weather and have some fun. Unfortunately, the increase in driving activity corresponds with a rise in impaired driving-related accidents.
According to ICBC, each summer, British Columbia experiences an average 27% increase in impaired driving-related crashes where someone is injured or killed, so the need for action is clear; drivers need to be responsible and, for those who aren’t getting the message, ICBC and local police are launching a comprehensive campaign aimed at reducing impaired driving incidents throughout British Columbia.
Across the province, the number of impaired-related crashes varies. Based on five-year average from 2018 to 2022, Northern BC saw a staggering 63% increase in these crashes during the summer months, followed by the Southern Interior at 53%, Vancouver Island at 21%, and the Lower Mainland at 11%. Despite the progress made since the introduction of “CounterAttack” road checks in 1977, impaired driving remains a significant threat to public safety, claiming an average of 61 lives annually in the province.
To prevent further tragedy, police across BC will be setting up CounterAttack road checks throughout the province, actively looking for impaired drivers. The message is simple: if your summer plans include alcohol or drugs, do the right thing and plan ahead for a safe ride home. Options such as designated drivers, taxis, rideshares, or public transit can make the difference between a fun night out and a tragic accident.
The campaign’s focus on public education and proactive enforcement aims to address the sobering statistics:
– On average, 61 people are killed and 1,404 injured in impaired driving-related crashes in BC every year.
– In the Lower Mainland, 17 people are killed and 600 injured annually.
– Vancouver Island sees 10 fatalities and 305 injuries each year.
– The Southern Interior reports 23 deaths and 344 injuries.
– In North Central BC, 13 lives are lost and 155 people are injured annually.
These figures, derived from police data over a five-year period (2018-2022), highlight the persistent and widespread nature of the problem. Even with fluctuations due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the trend is clear: impaired driving peaks during the summer months.
To combat this, ICBC and police are urging everyone to make responsible choices. Whether you’re heading to the beach for the day, camping for the weekend, or simply out for an evening of patio drinks with friends, planning ahead can save lives.
For more tips, statistics, and information on the campaign, visit https://www.icbc.com.
Blair Qualey is President and CEO of the New Car Dealers Association of BC. You can email him at [email protected].
