File photo of crash on Highway 97 (photo courtesy of the RCMP)

By Liam Verster

Be Safe Behind the Wheel

Vehicle crashes peak in December, so drive safe: ICBC

Dec 20, 2023 | 2:00 PM

The Insurance Corporation of British Columbia is urging drivers be safe behind the wheel over the holidays.

ICBC stats shows December sees more crashes than any other month in the province with an average of 25,954 collisions, resulting in 5,204 casualties (injuries or fatalities).

In the Southern Interior, there are, on average, 685 injuries or fatalities in 3,923 collisions each December.

The Crown corporation said an average of 457 people are injured, and two are killed, in 1,772 crashes over the Christmas and New Year’s holidays each year.

Those figures include 38 injuries and one death in 175 crashes in the Southern Interior during the Christmas holiday, and 25 injuries resulting from 104 crashes during New Year’s.

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To reduce the risk of a serious collision, ICBC advises people prepare their vehicles for winter conditions, reduce their speed and drive to conditions, keep your eyes on the road. You are encouraged to avoid distractions, be alert in parking lots, plan trips ahead and check road conditions at DriveBC, allow for additional travel time, and to take breaks during long road trips.

The agency added winter tires are required on many B.C. highways, and also encourages people to make sure their fluids are topped up before hitting the road.

ICBC also urges people not get behind the wheel after consuming drugs or alcohol during holiday celebrations.