ICBC is warning drivers this long weekend to beware of fatigue, with the B.C. Day holiday among the worst every year on our roads.
Hot summer weather and long drives can be a dangerous combination that can cause fatigue, with this weekend, on average, being responsible for 600 people getting injured and three killed in 2,200 crashes.
If you're hitting the road this long weekend, ICBC is asking you to make sure you're properly rested, hydrated and taking breaks from driving every two hours to reduce your risk of crashing.
Driving while fatigued is an impairment which can be just as deadly as any other.
It slows reaction time, decreases awareness and impairs judgment, with even a slight decrease in your reaction time greatly increasing your risk of crashing especially, when travelling at highway speeds.
Warning signs of fatigue and ICBC's Drive Smart tips:
You don't notice a vehicle until it suddenly passes you.
You don't recall driving the last few kilometres.
You're yawning or daydreaming.
Your speed creeps up or down.
You find yourself wandering into the next lane, shoulder or centre line.
Your eyes feel heavy or you have difficulty keeping your head up.
Travel in the morning. Drivers are prone to drowsy driving in the late-afternoon and at night when the body's circadian rhythm dips. Avoid driving during the night when you'd normally be asleep.
Leave enough following distance to give yourself time to react in case another driver on the road is impaired by fatigue. You can also look for warning signs such as a vehicle wandering out of its lane or its speed creeping up and down.
Regional statistics:
B.C. Day long weekend:
Over the B.C. Day long weekend, on Vancouver Island, an average of 67 people are injured in 310 crashes every year.
Over the B.C. Day long weekend, in the Southern Interior, an average of 97 people are injured in 370 crashes every year.
Over the B.C. Day long weekend, in the North Central region, an average of 25 people are injured in 130 crashes every year.
Over the B.C. Day long weekend, in the Lower Mainland, an average of 410 people are injured in 1,300 crashes every year.
