“More people are killed or injured on our roadways than of violent crimes each year.” says Supt Gaumont, Officer in Charge of Traffic Services for B.C. “With over 300 people killed on our roads and 74,000 injured, more can be done to prevent the carnage.”

Wednesday, November 18 is Canada’s second annual National Day of Remembrance for Road Crash Victims. This event is being organized by the Canadian Global Road Safety Committee who with to pay tribute to those killed on our roads.

When we think of victims of a crash we often forget that these numbers far exceed that of the dead or injured. The persons attending the crash scenes are very much affected by what they see and experience. Also the family and friends, witnesses and their families can’t help but be affected by the trauma of the crash.

We call it a crash and not an accident because these incidents can be prevented.

Here are ten things to consider prior to heading out, to make the roads safe for you and your family:

1. Always wear your seat belt and make sure your passengers are as well
2. Always drive sober. Impairment can come in many forms-Alcohol, Drugs, Fatigue, Prescription Medication.
3. Make the drivers seat a technology free zone: No mobile phones, texting, distractions.
4. Leave early, plan ahead.
5. Slow down and be aware.
6. Drive defensively and responsibly to your road and weather conditions
7. Set up your GPS before you leave, however should you need to modify your route, pull over.
8. Use the left lane for passing and drive in the right lane. Many drivers become frustrated and impatient by persons using the left lane unnecessarily.
9. Warm up your car and clean the windows.
10. Make sure your vehicle is ready for the season: Have GOOD winter tires, check your windshield wipers, wiper fluid, tire pressure, emergency first aid kit and your spare tire........Be prepared for the unexpected..

Keeping our roads safe is everyone’s responsibility, not just the police. We need your help to make our roads the safest in the world. If you suspect an impaired driver, pull over and call the police reporting the licence number, vehicle description, location and direction.

If we work together in British Columbia, we can reduce the number of victims of Road Crashes because safety is no accident.