December is darker, busier, and often icier and snowier, and it makes it the worst month of the year for crashes on Lower Mainland roads.
Statistics from the Insurance Corporation of British Columbia (ICBC) show that almost 800 crashes a day were reported in the province during December last year.
Two-thirds of those crashes were in the Lower Mainland alone.
“Rushing to your destination while driving might seem like a way to save time when you’ve got a lot to do, but it greatly increases the risk of a crash,” said Trace Acres, program director for Road Safety at Work.
The road safety organization explains that speeding and driving too fast for the conditions is a major factor in the rise in winter crashes.
“Slowing down and giving yourself extra time is one of the best ways to help ensure you and your loved ones travel safely this holiday season,” Acres added.
Road Safety at Work adds that holiday celebrations also frequently include alcohol or drug consumption, and as people up their shopping for gifts, so too does traffic increase.
“The holidays can create a lot of stress, which can affect our driving decisions,” Acres shared.
“ICBC statistics show that December has had the most crashes of any winter month over the last five years. WorkSafeBC statistics show that work-related crashes increase by 26% during the winter months,” Road Safety at Work explained.
ICBC numbers show the worst spot in Vancouver is around the north end of the Knight Bridge and Southeast Marine Drive, while in Surrey, it’s the intersection of 88th Avenue and King George Boulevard.
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