Drivers urged to slow down this Victoria Day Holiday Weekend
By Nelson Daily Staff
Motorists thinking police are going to be idle on the unofficial start of summer — Victoria Day Holiday Weekend — had better think again.
Cpl. John Ferguson, of the RCMP West Kootenay Traffic Services said officers will be out in full force to guarantee everyone has a safe holiday weekend.
“The May long weekend is upon us and the RCMP wish it to be a safe one for all,” Cpl. Ferguson said.
“Traditionally the May long weekend is one of the busiest weekends for traffic on the he road and consequently the West Kootenay Traffic Services and Nelson IRSU are stepping up their presence on the roadway.”
ICBC statistics confirm tailgating, failing to yield or speeding may seem harmless, but high-risk driving behaviours contribute to almost half of all police-reported casualty crashes in B.C.
And every year over the Victoria Day long weekend, on average, three people are killed and 500 are injured in 1,700 crashes in B.C.
Police said drivers should choose safe behaviors and be aware there will be a strong police presence on highways throughout the long weekend.
“If you are going to drink alcohol, please have a designated driver,” Cpl. Ferguson explains.
“Wear your seatbelt when in the car and drive at the speed limit. You will not get to your destination much faster when speeding and could cause you financial difficulties or worse.”
On average, 70 people are injured in 280 crashes throughout the Southern Interior every year over the Victoria Day long weekend.
