May is High-Risk Driving and Motorcycle Awareness month
By BC RCMP
Temperatures are increasing and so are highway speeds; BC Highway Patrol is reminding you that throughout the month of May police officers province-wide will be doing extra enforcement for the High-Risk Driving and Motorcycle Awareness Campaign.
“There are two keys to keeping motorcyclists safer,” says Corporal Michael McLaughlin with BC Highway Patrol. “Number one, motorcyclists need to slow down and drive defensively. Number two, every other motorist needs to pay attention and consciously look for motorcycles so that collisions can be avoided.”
If you are a motorcyclist, you are encouraged to:
- Slow down and ride within your skills and ability,
- Consider advanced rider training,
- Never drive or ride while impaired, tired, or distracted.
“Impaired driving is one of the classic high-risk behaviours that police will be enforcing throughout the month of May,” says Corporal McLaughlin. “Another high-risk focus will be excessive speed. Just because the weather is nice and roads are dry, that does not give you permission to speed. In collisions, speed kills.”
For the month of May, BC motorists can expect to see extra enforcement for high risk driving including:
- Impaired driving;
- Aggressive driving (including speeding and excessive speeding);
- Distracted driving;
- Seatbelt violations.
BC Highway Patrol will also work to lessen the impact of the most dangerous weekend of the year on BC roads- the May long weekend.
“Public safety is our top priority,” says Corporal McLaughlin. “We would much rather write you a ticket for excessive speeding or aggressive driving than have to tell your loved ones that you died in a collision.”
As you drive through Beautiful BC in May, think about these safety tips:
- Watch out for more motorcycles, bicycles and pedestrians,
- Plan extra time for slower recreational vehicles, trucks, and construction,
- Consider adding extra stops to improve your mood and focus while driving,
- Drive sober, undistracted, and completely focussed on the road.
Motorists who ignore safe habits, and choose instead to engage in excessive speeding or other high-risk behaviours, could face penalties including 30-day vehicle impounds, $483 excessive speeding tickets, and thousands of dollars in towing fees and high-risk driving premiums.
