The Easter long weekend is a popular time for a spring getaway, but drivers are reminded that highways will be busy and road conditions may remain winter-like and dangerous in some parts of B.C.

Here are some tips to help B.C. families prepare for a safe road trip:

• Be prepared: Weather conditions can change suddenly at this time of year, especially when travelling over long distances. Check the road and weather conditions for your entire trip at drivebc.ca which features over 400 webcam views throughout the province.
• Get a tune-up: Remember to check the engine oil, washer fluid and lights. Take a look at your vehicle’s tires, including the spare, to make sure they are in good condition and properly inflated. Keep winter tires on vehicles until April 30, if driving mountain passes.
• Stay alert: Be realistic about travel times and plan rest stops at least every two hours to avoid becoming fatigued while driving. Fatigue slows a driver’s reaction time, decreases awareness and affects their judgment.
• Put phones away: Turn off cell phones or store them out of reach to avoid the temptation. Research shows five seconds of texting at highway speeds is like driving blindfolded for almost the length of an entire football field.
• Be sober: The risk of being in a fatal crash is, on average, seven times greater at a blood alcohol content (BAC) between .05 and .08, compared with driving sober. Let someone else drive or make alternate arrangements to avoid drinking and driving.
• Obey the limit: Speed is B.C.’s number one road safety problem, contributing to about 35% of all fatal crashes. Vehicles driven at greater than 40 km/hr over the posted speed limit are immediately impounded in B.C. Their drivers are fined and three penalty points are added to their licence.
• Share the road: Warmer weather encourages more motorcyclists, pedestrians, and cyclists to hit the road. Give other road users the time and space to reach their destinations safely.

Quotes:

Attorney General and Minister of Justice Suzanne Anton -

“I am concerned that distracted driving has become the second leading cause of fatalities on B.C. roads. This Easter long weekend, I urge drivers to put away their cellphones and make the effort to reduce any and all distractions while driving. Focusing on the road will help British Columbians get home safely.”

Minister of Transportation and Infrastructure Todd Stone -

“If you’re planning a long drive this weekend, visit drivebc.ca to view the webcams and check road conditions and weather conditions for the entire route you’ll be travelling. Take your time on the road so you and your family get to your destination and home again safely.”

Chair of the B.C. Association of Chiefs of Police Traffic Safety Committee, Chief Officer Neil Dubord -

“Every driver should exercise a high degree of personal responsibility when behind the wheel. Police will be out in force across British Columbia this weekend making sure drivers are slowing down and focusing on the road.”

Quick Facts:

• Every year over the Easter long weekend, an average of three people are killed and 670 injured in 2,300 crashes throughout B.C.

Learn More:

Get information about road and weather conditions: http://www.drivebc.ca

Distractions while driving - cell phones and other electronic devices: http://www.pssg.gov.bc.ca/osmv/road-safety/distracted.htm

Excessive speeding and careless driving: http://www.pssg.gov.bc.ca/osmv/road-safety/speed.htm

Immediate Roadside Prohibition (IRP) Penalties: http://www.pssg.gov.bc.ca/osmv/shareddocs/immediate-roadside-prohibition-penalties.pdf

Media Contacts:

Government Communications and Public Engagement
Ministry of Justice
250 213-3602

Robert Adam
Government Communications and Public Engagement
Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure
250 356-8241