ICBC is encouraging drivers to be rested and prepared this B.C. Day long weekend, as summer usually sees an uptick in fatigue-related crashes.
This year, B.C. Day falls on Monday, Aug. 3, and the insurance corporation is asking drivers to make sure they’re ready for things like high temperatures, heavy traffic, and potential wildfire-related impacts.
ICBC says an average of 606 people are injured and two people are killed in crashes in the province over the B.C. Day long weekend.
On Vancouver Island alone, an average of 73 people are injured in a total of 394 crashes over the long weekend, based on ICBC data from 2020 to 2024.
Additionally, ICBC says fatigue-related crashes jump 71 per cent during July and August compared to the other 10 months of the year based on police-reported data from 2019 to 2023.
“The B.C. Day long weekend is one of the busiest travel times of the summer, and behind every trip is a family or friend waiting at the other end,” said B.C. Attorney General Niki Sharma in a statement.
“Whether the trip is on a busy highway or a quiet rural road, a little extra care can make all the difference,” she said.
ICBC has several tips on how to travel safely this long weekend. Drivers should give other vehicles extra space and drive within the speed limit.
On highways, drivers should stick to the right unless they are passing, and be patient with RVs and trailers which may travel more slowly, particularly in mountain passes.
Drivers can check road conditions along their route on DriveBC, and keep tabs on wildfire impacts on EmergencyInfoBC.
People should also pack emergency kits in their vehicles before they start a long trip, and should make sure they get a good sleep before leaving, and take regular breaks or pull over if feeling tired.
“Hot summer temperatures and long drives can leave drivers feeling less alert,” said ICBC.
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