Vancouver Islanders might have a heavy foot according to the number of speeding tickets handed out in October.
According to BC Highway Patrol, officers wrote nearly 8,000 speeding tickets across the province during their annual Drive Relative to Conditions and Pedestrian Awareness campaign, and 1,598 of those were right here on Vancouver Island.
The police force says the month-long safety campaign is meant to remind drivers that posted speed limits are for ideal conditions such as dry, daylight, and clear weather, and that once fall hits, it’s time to ease off the gas.
“Drivers often think they’re the exception,” said Corporal Michael McLaughlin with BC Highway Patrol.
“We make excuses about why the rules shouldn’t apply to us. But once you hit another human being, or an animal, or badly injure yourself, it’s too late to be smarter or act better.”
The south coast region topped the ticket list with 2,167, while northern BC followed close behind with 1,486. Vancouver Island’s total put it firmly in the middle.
Highway Patrol is urging everyone to adjust to winter conditions, stay sober, alert, and free from distractions, and remember that slowing down is one of the simplest ways to prevent crashes.
Pedestrians are also being reminded to do their part by wearing reflective gear, putting their phones away, and crossing only at marked intersections.
As McLaughlin summed up, “None of us are special drivers or invulnerable pedestrians. The weather has turned now and it’s dark most of the time. Slow down and avoid getting a ticket or something worse.”
Safe driving, Victoria!
