With the BC Day long weekend almost here, ICBC has issued a reminder to motorists that safety on the road should be of the utmost importance.
Many regions of BC will be facing high temperatures, heavy traffic and wildfire-related impacts through this weekend.
According to ICBC, speed is consistently the top contributing factor in crashes over the BC Day long weekend.
Over the past five years, an average of two people are killed annually in crashes over the long weekend and 606 people are injured.
On Vancouver Island, an average of 73 people are injured in 394 crashes every year over the BC Day long weekend.
To avoid fatalities and injuries, ICBC asks drivers to make safe choices and do their part to keep roads safe.
“Whether you’re driving to a camping trip, lakeside getaway or community celebration, a little extra patience and preparation can go a long way on a busy holiday weekend,” said Kathleen Nadalin, ICBC road safety manager.
“Leave extra time, stay focused and look for motorcyclists and other road users to help make the journey safer for everyone sharing our roads.”
ICBC’s tips for travelling on BC Day long weekend:
- Rest up before a long drive
- Slow down and leave extra space
- Check conditions before you go for the latest conditions and closures
- Let faster drivers pass safely
- Check your vehicle and pack an emergency kit before heading out
Though high temperatures are expected in much of the province over the long weekend, Victoria and the rest of Vancouver Island will be getting some rain as well as sun.
According to Environment Canada, the Greater Victoria forecast is calling for showers and a high of 20°C on Saturday. The rest of the long weekend will be sunny with highs ranging between 20°C and 25°C.
Nanaimo has a similar forecast with showers expected Saturday, but sunny conditions and highs between 21°C and 24°C on Sunday and Monday.
Those who are trekking out to Tofino will have to deal with the forecasted 60% chance of rain on Saturday and slightly lower highs for Sunday and Monday at 18°C and 20°C respectively.
Further up island in Port McNeill, the forecast is calling for more bleak conditions with rain in the forecast on both Saturday and Sunday, with Monday expected to be overcast. Highs will range between 15°C and 18°C.
On the Lower Mainland, temperatures will be slightly higher than on Vancouver Island. Chilliwack’s forecast is calling for a slight chance of rain on Saturday, but highs reaching up to 27°C on the long weekend.
In Kelowna and much of the Okanagan, temperatures will reach up to 28°C and mostly sunny conditions are expected.
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